Yes, fourth overall pick wide receiver Amari Cooper flashes as one the most captivating rookie talents in recent memory. Second-round pick defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. has played all of 151 snaps between linebacker and defensive end, per Pro Football Focus. Third-round pick tight end Clive Walford barely scratched the surface of his maximum potential in the first seven games.
General manager Reggie McKenzie deservedly took on a lot of criticism for his misses on previous free-agent signings. However, he’s righted a lot of wrongs with an impact group of veterans who’ve immediately uplifted the team on both sides of the ball.
Michael Crabtree: Wide Receiver 1A
Raider Nation didn’t necessarily throw a party upon wide receiver Michael Crabtree’s arrival.
Green Bay Packers wideout Randall Cobb topped the list as the preferred choice in Oakland. When Cobb re-signed, most set their sights on Cooper as the cure-all antidote for the Raiders’ receiving deficiencies.
Fortunately, Cooper stepped into the league primed and ready for the big stage, but let’s not overlook his running mate on the perimeter:
Through seven games, Crabtree’s production holds as much value as Cooper’s. Quarterback Derek Carr vouched for the veteran’s stay beyond this season to the local media:
According to ESPN's Bill Williamson, Crabtree dismissed future plans but reciprocated Carr's sentiment about a long-term stay:
"Crabtree laughed off questions about his future after Sunday's game in which he was a featured receiver, saying it was too early. But Crabtree said he loves playing with the Raiders. The feeling is mutual."
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
