Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr took a major step forward in his development last season. After a solid yet up-and-down rookie season, Carr took full advantage of the shiny new weapons general manager Reggie McKenzie had provided him with during the offseason. The additions of wide receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, as well as the bigger role for running back Latavius Murray proved effective, as Oakland finished the 2015 season ranked No. 16 in passing yards per game (242.4), No. 17 in points (22.4) and No. 6 in passing touchdowns (34).
Though Carr struggled down the stretch, he showed more than enough to convince the powers that be that he can develop into a franchise quarterback. Apparently, the rest of the world took notice.
Carr, entering his third season, was among the NFL Network's Top 100 Players list for 2016. He came in at No. 100.
Thank you to everyone that voted 4 me! It means a lot to me coming from teammates and opp players. Now that we have made it time to climb it
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) May 5, 2016
"He's one of my favorite quarterbacks and I like everything about him," Denver Broncos linebacker and reigning Super Bowl MVP Von Miller said. "He came in and played for the Raiders and they were super terrible...he really carried his team and I applaud him for that."
Miller wasn't alone in his praise for Carr among NFL players.
"I take my hat off to that young man," San Diego Chargers defensive tackle Corey Liuget said. "I can't even say he's grown because he came into this game understanding how to play the position. I think he's going to be an elite quarterback over the years."
Carr appeared in all 16 games last season for the 7-9 Raiders. He completed 61.1 percent of his passes while throwing for 3,987 yards and 32 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. His 91.1 passer rating ranked 20th in the league, ahead of guys like Matt Ryan, as well as fellow 2014 QBs Teddy Bridgewater and Blake Bortles.
Crabtree quickly resurrected his career with Carr throwing him passes last year, earning him a four-year extension with Oakland.
"Derek Carr is a competitor," Crabtree said. "The ultimate competitor. That chemistry man, you can't beat it. He's my quarterback."
Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack, who finished second in the NFL in sacks last season, was not surprised by the praise for Carr.
"Derek 'The Chosen One' Carr," Mack said. "Top 100, man. You gotta to get No. 1 baby. Let's do it. This year. Let's do it."
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
