With The First Pick
Fansided

Built Through the Draft: Oakland Raiders

By Carl Cockerham

Jan 16, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie (left) at press conference at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie (left) at press conference at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) catches a pass while defended by San Diego Chargers defensive back Jimmy Wilson (27) during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) catches a pass while defended by San Diego Chargers defensive back Jimmy Wilson (27) during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

2015 Amari Cooper

Carr had to fight through the 2014 season without any good WRs as a rookie in 2014. So the Raiders were looking to surround him with some in 2015 and started in free agency with Michael Crabtree. Then came the 2015 NFL Draft and Amari Cooper, the most dynamic, pro ready football player in the draft was available.

So to the surprise of no one, the Raiders went ahead and took him at No. 4 overall. And in the first half of the season, Cooper showed he had superstar ability with 653 yards and 4 TDs. He was on pace for 1,306 yards and eight TDs and he saw some top corners like Joe Haden, Jimmy Smith, Jason Verrett, and Darrelle Revis.

Cooper abused Haden, Smith, and Verrett and if Carr hadn’t missed on a deep ball, Cooper would have beaten Revis deep. But Cooper would end up with a foot injury and it would hamper him for the second half of the season. Cooper only had 417 yards and two TDs in the second half of the season because of that injury.

But Cooper did manage to be the first Raiders WR to have over 1,000 yards receiving since Randy Moss in 2005. At the same time he was the first Raiders rookie to do so with 72 catches for 1,070 yards and six TDs. Raiders fans are definitely looking forward to him coming back with Carr for 2016.

Next: 2015: Mario Edwards Jr.

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