Oakland Raiders: Full Position Breakdown, Depth-Chart Analysis at Wide Receiver

The Oakland Raiders wide receiver depth combined with quarterback Derek Carr’s expected progression potentially propels the passing offense into top-10 rankings for the 2015 season.

No, it’s not false hope.

The Raiders are stocked at WR, thanks to an offseason talent overhaul at the position. General manager Reggie McKenzie provided Carr ample tools to succeed in the vertical attack.

 



Raiders’ Big Three

Michael Crabtree, Amari Cooper and Rod Streater—in that pecking order—serve as the best WR trio wearing silver and black in recent memory.

The most established WR, Crabtree, should have a breakout season. When healthy and engaged in the game plan, he’s the low-end No. 1 option.

Last season, he seemed nonchalant and disengaged with the San Francisco 49ers' sputtering offense. The 2012 season was his best year, racking up 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns, as the 49ers made the transition between quarterbacks Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick.

As Crabtree enters a pivotal contract year, pending his health status, expect Carr to lean on the veteran for early-season gains in the passing attack. 

Cooper is the flash that attracts the casual fans to watch Raiders’ games. The former Alabama product adds a new vigor to the offense and, dare I say, makes Oakland an attractive Monday Night Football draw for 2016 and beyond.



The 21-year-old polished receiver won’t top 1,000 yards this season splitting receptions with fellow WRs Crabtree, Streater and a dual set of playmaking tight ends. Cooper will, however, live up to his billing.

He’ll give defenses fits on the outside, across the middle and in the slot. He’s well ahead of his years but far from a finished product, meaning he’ll have some drops and jitters in his first year working with a new QB. Ev...

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