With The First Pick
Fansided

Oakland Raiders With Big Statistical Years Coming

By Carl Cockerham

Jun 15, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr at minicamp press conference at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr at minicamp press conference at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Amari Cooper (89) reacts after scoring on a 68-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens as at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Amari Cooper (89) reacts after scoring on a 68-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens as at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Amari Cooper

Amari Cooper has shown superstar potential ever since the Raiders took him with the No. 4 overall pick last year. He saw corners like Jimmy Smith, Joe Hayden, Jason Verrett and Darrell Revis in the first half of the season and didn’t have problems getting open on neither of them.

In that first half of the season, Cooper had 653 yards and four TDs and many were singing his praises. Then suddenly, his production dropped off in a major way as he had only 417 yards and two TDs in the second half of the season. An injured foot was the reason for the drop-off.

Cooper also developed a bit of a problem with drops during his rookie campaign. They were clearly focus drops as he turned his head up the field before the ball was secured in his hands. Cooper is known for doing something with the ball after the catch but needed to make the catch first.

Cooper will return with veteran Michael Crabtree on the other side along with Walford. The Raiders also brought in some speed this offseason so that will enable Cooper to work in the slot at times. I expect a healthy Cooper to have over 1,300 yards receiving with 12 TDs in 2016.

Next: Derek Carr

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