The Oakland Raiders are firm believers in second-year quarterback Derek Carr's talent. The 2014 second-rounder posted solid numbers despite a severe lack of talent around him last season, throwing for more than 3,200 yards with 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Though Carr experienced his fair share of rookie struggles, he was arguably the most competent QB Oakland has started in the last decade. This season, he'll have upgraded weapons across the board and a new head coach in Jack Del Rio, who has a solid track record. As a result, ESPN's Eric Karabell thinks that he could break out in 2015 and be a viable starting quarterback in fantasy football.
"Yeah, rookie Amari Cooper could be that awesome," Karabell wrote. "Carr didn't impress as a rookie, and he seemed to get quite a few breaks in the interception department, but one difference-making wide receiver could change his fortunes. Remember, if everyone believes a quarterback will break out, then he doesn't go undrafted like Carr will. And by the way, I'm leaving noted rookies Jameis Winston of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Marcus Mariota of the Tennessee Titans off the list. Too obvious, and they're already going in the 21-23 range at the position, neither top-20 nor truly back-end range. I don't want to assume Carr can't improve. I want to see what he can do with downfield playmakers in a more up-tempo offense. And yeah, I think he has a better chance to breakout this season than Blake Bortles, but to be fair, they're in similar situations."
In addition to Cooper, Carr will also be throwing to free agent Michael Crabtree and third-round rookie Clive Walford. Third-down back Roy Helu was also added in free agency. All of the new faces are drastic improvements over Oakland's pass-catching corps from a year ago.
Although the Raiders won't be challenging for the playoffs anytime soon, they are slowly adding valuable building blocks. This season will be a true test to see if Carr is a viable long-term starter. If he can take advantage of the improved offensive talent and continue to develop, then the Raiders will be one big step closer to respectability.
