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Why the Oakland Raiders Shouldn’t Use #4 On Amari Cooper

By Matthew Lorscheider

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Dec 29, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Kevin White (11) catches a pass while defended by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Deshazor Everett (29) during the game in the 2014 Liberty Bowl at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

2. You Can Get a Quality Wideout Later

Now, the Raiders may indeed want to draft a wide receiver, someone who can come into camp, compete, maybe steal James Jones’ spot or lock down the full-time slot role right away. Or they may want to grab a big guy who can line up outside and move the sure-handed Jones into the slot. But no matter what they want to do in the draft with a wideout, it can be done significantly later than the #4 overall pick, as the 2015 draft class is DEEP with receiver talent.

Kevin White, who is generally regarded as another can’t-miss prospect and probably the second-best receiver in this draft class, could be available later in the first round. If the Raiders want him over Cooper – which is possible – they could trade back with a team like Minnesota or Cleveland, who can go ahead and take Cooper while the Raiders drop back, pick up an extra pick, and get Kevin White a bit later.

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    • Stanford’s Ty Montgomery, who projects well as a slot receiver and also has value as a returner, could be around at the top of the second round for the Raiders, as could Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong, Louisville’s Devante Parker or Oklahoma’s Dorial Green-Beckham. Fresno State’s Josh Harper, who caught a lot of passes from Derek Carr in 2013, could be still on the board at the top of Round 3, as could Miami’s Philip Dorsett, Ohio State’s Devin Smith or USC’s Nelson Agholor. All of these players have potential to be on the field full-time right away at the next level, and many of them would be better suited for roles complimentary to Rod Streater and James Jones.

    In a draft where talent is deep, talent is also cheap. Using the fourth overall pick in the draft on a wide receiver when you can get a perfectly good wide receiver at 36th overall seems a reach. Cooper is a great player, no doubt, but there are a lot of very GOOD players in this position group who you can grab with a much lower pick.

    Next: Reason #3: Defense Wins Championships

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