NFL Fantasy Football Spotlight: Derek Carr Of Oakland Raiders
By Erik Lambert
Aug 28, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) gestures during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
A host of second-year quarterbacks prepare to attempt taking their game to the next level in hopes of becoming that franchise guy their teams desperately need. As that happens, NFL fantasy football leagues also prepare to discuss whether the guy is worth drafting in earlier rounds as a possible starter.
Those are the questions surrounding Derek Carr in 2015. His rookie seasons was a promising one and now the Oakland Raiders quarterback is ready to launch his assault against the rest of league to help his team ended over a decade of losing seasons. In the process will he become a surefire fantasy option?
2014 Production:
- 3,270 yards passing
- 92 yards rushing
- 21 touchdowns
- 12 interceptions
- 192.00 fantasy points
Based on the stats, Carr proved himself the best of the 2014 draft class among quarterbacks. The great irony there is that he was the only one of the four who ended starting that wasn’t taken in the 1st round. Blake Bortles and Teddy Bridgewater both went ahead of him but finished with less output. Johnny Manziel, of course was a train wreck. So it’s clear, at least for one season that the Raiders got a major bargain.
What lay ahead for him now? Well the great news is Carr should have the best team around him to date heading into 2015. His coaching staff got some big upgrades including head coach Jack Del Rio, who brings a wealth of experience from his days in Jacksonville. Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave has a long history of working with quarterbacks, having been one himself. He knows what it takes to develop them.
Then there is the weaponry. The arrival of rookie receiver Amari Cooper could be enormous. He’s already well-versed in playing a pro-style game at Alabama and has that vertical speed to take advantage of Carr’s strong arm. Together with Michael Crabtree, Rod Streater and Andre Holmes this is becoming a rather formidable receiving corps.
If Carr stays healthy and gets similar protection like he did last season, he will make fantasy owners very happy.
Fantasy Points Projection: 250