The Oakland Raiders have failed to provide second-year quarterback Derek Carr with an impact offensive player this offseason. This is considered a major failure by Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie, given the multiple stars he was targeting in free agency. The team is high on Carr and believes he can develop into a franchise quarterback. However, he won't do it without any help. That is why wide receivers Amari Cooper and Kevin White have been considered the front runners for Oakland's No. 4 overall pick in the NFL draft.
The Raiders could select a pass-rusher with their first-round pick, but NFL observers think the team is prioritizing Carr's progress over everything else. That begs the question: which wide receiver is a better fit with Carr?
ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. projects the Raiders to take White in his Mock Draft 3.0. Kiper cites White's slightly higher ceiling and star potential as the main factor separating the two prospects. However, he has Cooper ranked higher overall and believes he is the better fit.
"Last year, the Raiders took a 'high-floor' player in Khalil Mack," Kiper wrote. "Cooper would be a good chance to double down. He's sneaky explosive, is a brilliant route runner and has 'work ethic' tied to his name as much or more than any other great player in the draft. I think he's your best bet to be a No. 1 wide receiver against seasoned NFL defensive backs early in his career as any wideout in this draft, and that's what Oakland needs.
"The chances: pretty good. Maybe they prefer Kevin White, but Cooper makes sense and deserves to land in this range."
White caught 109 passes for 1,447 yards and ten touchdowns last season for West Virginia. Cooper caught 124 passes for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns for Alabama. Cooper is considered the better route runner of the two, but White has him beat in size thanks to his 6-2, 215 pound frame.
Raiders fans, who do you think the team should draft? Let us know in the comments section below.
