Oakland Raiders: NFL Draft and Amari Cooper Issues
By Joe Wedra
Too many 2015 NFL Draft mock drafts (including my own) have projected the Oakland Raiders selecting Alabama WR Amari Cooper with the 4th overall selection in the Draft. However, this projection is going to change on many boards and mock drafts leading into the crucial months of Draft projections.
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The Problem with Cooper
Amari Cooper is a heck of a prospect, and his skills translate well to the NFL. There’s no doubt that he’ll be taken in the first round — the problem is his top-five projection.
Cooper isn’t going to be listed as top-five talent on many boards, likely including Oakland’s.
The only reason that Cooper has been mocked to the Raiders at #4 in early mock drafts is the “team need” factor. The team needs a wide-out so desperately that folks have no choice but to make the connection.
At the end of the day, nobody stood out on tape enough to change the selection … Until now.
The Kevin White Factor
Our great friends at Draft Breakdown have cranked out the game tape on the West Virginia wide receiver, giving us the ability to break down White’s game over the past few days. His impressive tape combined with his 4.35 40-yard dash suggests one thing: this kid is the perfect fit for the Oakland franchise.
(Insert Raiders speed joke here)
In all seriousness, this pick makes a ton of sense. White is much closer to top-five talent than Cooper. And while some may consider it a reach, Oakland is in a spot where they have to take one of the top prospects to pair up with Derek Carr. White growing up with Carr at the helm will bode well for both guys.
Other Options at Four
The need at edge rusher can’t be ignored here, either.
Either Randy Gregory, Leonard Williams (not an EDGE, but best talent in this class) or Dante Fowler Jr. will be available when Oakland is on the clock, bringing up questions surrounding the need on defense.
There’s a gaping hole with no depth whatsoever at the position, but I’d argue that thousands of Oakland fans would much rather snatch a top receiver at #4.