Cooper was selected as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft on Thursday night, and he’s the perfect fit for a Raiders team looking to help a young quarterback develop with a high-end, consistent receiving threat.
Keep in mind that wideout Rod Streater is on the mend after only playing three games in 2014. We often take injuries for granted because so many players return without showing signs of wear and tear. However, Streater is a burner on the perimeter. Foot surgery for a speedy receiver can be ominous.
In Streater’s case, it’s unnerving to know he was originally slated to miss four to five weeks but ultimately sat out the remainder of last year.
The injury could become a recurring issue caused by the way he plays the game at full speed. Streater will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2015, leaving no guarantee of his return.
Michael Crabtree is on a one-year deal, and he seemingly hasn’t been the same since his foot injuries. When examining Crabtree’s production, it's clear he’s nothing close to a No. 1 option:
At 31 years old, James Jones is past his prime and the sun is quickly setting on his career. He led the team's receiving corps with only six touchdowns but was second to Andre Holmes in receiving yards. Holmes is a No. 4 WR option at best.
Cooper is needed in Oakland.
He was consistent at Alabama even before Lane Kiffin took over as the offensive coordinator. He holds the record for most receiving TDs (31) in the Southeastern Conference.
Kiffin served as Alabama’s offensive coordinator in 2014, and Cooper led the NCAA in three categories: receiving yards (1727), touchdowns (16) and receptions (124).
So...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
