The Oakland Raiders are all in on the Derek Carr bandwagon. The organization believes he can develop into a franchise quarterback and help lift the team out of the depths of the AFC West. To do so, however, he is going to need some help which is why the Raiders went with Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper over USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams with the No. 4 overall pick this year.
Was it the right call?
"So far, the Raiders are not regretting that decision," ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson wrote. "Cooper has been as advertised through training camp and half of the preseason. He is smooth and he has a full arsenal of routes. Frankly, Cooper, who turned 21 in June, looks like a five-year veteran."
Cooper was universally viewed as one of the most polished wide receiver prospects to enter the draft in recent memory. Last year he set an SEC record with 124 receptions for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns. If Carr can take a step forward in his development than Cooper may exceed Sammy Watkins' rookie numbers (65 catches, 982 yards, six touchdowns) for the Buffalo Bills last year. Even so, Cooper is still prone to the occasional rookie mistake.
"His is not flawless though," Williamson wrote. "Cooper has had some drops, but he looks very much like the true No. 1 receiver Oakland has been craving. The Raiders haven't had a 1,000-yard receiver since Randy Moss in 2005. Cooper should be ready to change that soon.
"It's clear the Raiders are going to utilize Cooper from the start. The Raiders designed five plays for him in two series in the preseason opener. On Saturday night in Minnesota, Cooper had a 40-yard catch from quarterback Derek Carr to set up a touchdown. The long passing game has been deficient in Oakland. That appears to no longer be a problem."
