With The First Pick
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Derek Carr en Route to Becoming Best QB in NFL

By Carl Cockerham

Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) calls a play during overtime against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Oakland Raiders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) calls a play during overtime against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Oakland Raiders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) calls a play against the San Diego Chargers in the second quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) calls a play against the San Diego Chargers in the second quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

The Mind

Carr has a big arm with accuracy so no one questioned those things when he came out of college. But what many did question was his mind, coming from the Spread Offense. The Spread Offense has no verbiage, no protection calls and very simple reads.

In the NFL, have to read defenses, audible to the right play and change protections. You also have to go through your progressions fast and get rid of the ball because pressure is coming. And if you don’t you’re going to take a lot of punishment in the pocket.

Carr ran a pro style offense in high school and his first couple of years in college. He also studied pro blitzes and protections with his brother David Carr as a teenager. So he knew his pre-snap reads, protection adjustments and went through his progressions quickly right away.

So he started immediately and to this day, he doesn’t get caught with the ball in his hands often. The Raiders have a great offensive line now but that wasn’t the case his first year. His knowledge of were everyone on the field was allowed him to get the ball out.

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