In the hope that the Raiders score consistently, Jon Gruden assembled an intriguing mix of wideouts to further this aim. With Derek Carr under center, the Raiders possess a Top-15 passer with the ability to thrive under his system. Unlike previous years, the Raiders have an actual plan of attack. On the condition that Carr makes the correct read and gets the ball out in his usual quick manner, the Raider possess weapons at wideout.
First, the offense should ultimately flow throw him. With Crabtree in Baltimore, Cooper steps in as the unquestioned top receiver. With that said, he must eliminate concentration drops and evolve into the player many hoped.
Jordy Nelson
When Oakland released Crabtree and signed Nelson, a collective groan bellowed from the Nation. Meanwhile, all Nelson seems to do, when healthy is stack huge numbers. In this offense, his precise routes will give Derek Carr faith to find him, regardless of route.
Martavis Bryant
On the field, Bryant gives the Raiders long, lean, athletic playmakers that provide an instant mismatch for corners. If he can avoid off-field foolery, the team will benefit.
Seth Roberts
Although Roberts became the bane of everyone’s existence due to constant drops and penalties, he is a fighter. Originally undrafted, Roberts clawed his way onto the roster. Yet, that was Del Rio Era. This is the Gruden regime. In it, Roberts owns no collateral. He may not last cutdown day.
Ryan Switzer
With Jalen Richard’s awful 2017 still fresh in Reggie McKenzie’s mind, Switzer’s punt return expertise could net him a roster spot.
Marcell Ateman
By selecting Ateman in the seventh, the Raiders confirm the need for a big wideout with red zone capabilities. With Ateman, Oakland could feast on the fade inside the two. In addition, Edgar Bennett could help to tighten the loose routes.
Johnny Holton
You would think Gruden would run Holton out of town immediately, since his route tree consists of a fly route. However, Holton gains separation early and gets vertical. While not a sharp route runner, Holton could snag a role as the primary deep threat.
In essence, Jon Gruden revamped the receiving corps on the fly. That is to say, he fully expects Cooper as the go-to, Nelson to have a great year. Moreover, the 4-6 spots remain wide open. As a result, the Raiders should make a few difficult cuts.
