The Oakland Raiders have not finished above .500 in more than a decade. In that time, they have been rightly lampooned for poor drafting, front office instability and unwise free agent decisions. But if you've been paying attention over the last two years, you see a small foundation beginning to emerge.
That foundation begins with second-year quarterback Derek Carr.
The Raiders have not had a franchise quarterback in a long time. Carr has not yet proven to be that guy, but he's come closer in one season than any other signal-caller in recent Raiders memory. Can he continue to develop?
"Carr's ceiling is high," ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson wrote. "The No. 36 overall draft pick in 2014, Carr was the only rookie quarterback to start all 16 games last season. He threw 21 touchdown passes and just 12 interceptions. The Raiders and scouts around the league love his potential and think he can become an above-average player."
But Carr does not come without some question marks. His 5.46 yards per pass attempt last season was the lowest in the NFL and one of the lost for a QB in the last handful of seasons. Despite solid pass protection from his offensive line, Carr did not like to look deep. Although the Raiders lacked offensive talent throughout the roster last year, Carr will have to lengthen the field a bit if he wants to take the next step as a quarterback. Fortunately for him and the Raiders, he'll finally have the weapons to do so this season.
"I expect Carr to make significant strides in his second year," Williamson wrote. "He prepares well and is a good fit for Oakland's new up-tempo offense. The Raiders will use the no-huddle more this year and Carr used that offense almost exclusively late in his career at Fresno State. The Raiders drafted receiving weapons, Amari Cooper (receiver, first round) and Clive Walford (tight end, third). These players will help Carr and I expect the position to be a bright spot for Oakland in 2015."
Cooper could have a similar impact as Sammy Watkins did last year for the Buffalo Bills. His route running is top notch, especially for a rookie. Walford has the talent to take the starting job from Mychal Rivera. If Latavius Murray can live up to expectations in the backfield then the Raiders just might have a solid offense.
If all breaks right, Carr may be on his way to become Oakland's franchise quarterback.
Click HERE to read more about Derek Carr and Amari Cooper.
