The Oakland Raiders Draft Problem: Amari Cooper Or Defense?
By Erik Lambert
There is no debating it anymore. The Oakland Raiders will hold the #1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft. At this point the only question left is what they do with it, and it’s one that should spark a serious debate. Do they go after some defensive help, of which there is plenty available, or do they get their promising young quarterback a difference-maker at receiver in Amari Cooper?
Defense
First is the defensive situation. Quite frankly, aside from a few solid games the Raiders defensive unit isn’t good at all. They are allowed 28.1 points per game punctuated by 130.5 yards allowed on the ground. It’s clear that despite the additions of some veteran leadership and young talents like Khalil Mack that the team still needs a lot of work. The 2015 NFL draft class should have plenty to offer, especially at the top with names like Leonard Williams, Randy Gregory and Landon Collins all expected to be available. Any one of them would make a huge upgrade for their roster and be helpful towards stopping those tough AFC West offenses.
Cooper
Yet, the reality remains that Amari Cooper will be there, and how can the Oakland Raiders justify passing him up? He’s unquestionably the best wide receiver in college football with his mix of six, route running polish and explosiveness. The big plays he could create and double team he could draw would be a boon for the Raiders offense and give Derek Carr that go-to guy he really doesn’t have. After all, Oakland really hasn’t made the proper commitment to building around a young quarterback in years. Carr is their first significant investment since JaMarcus Russell. They have to make sure this one works out. Cooper would go a long way towards achieving that end.
Decisions, decisions…