Oakland Raiders: 53-Man roster projection
By Austin Gayle
August 30, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) runs with the football against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers (25) during the first quarter in a preseason NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Wide Receiver
No. 1: Amari Cooper
No. 2: Michael Crabtree
No. 3: Brice Butler
No. 4: Rod Streater
No. 5: Seth Roberts
No. 6: Andre Holmes
Given their production this offseason, Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree are entrenched as Oakland’s starting outside receivers.
As the No. 4 overall pick, Cooper is entering the league with a lot of expectations, but he looks to be thriving in the pressure. The former Alabama star runs consistent, solid routes and has the ability to make plays after the catch. He already looks like Carr’s “go-to” guy, and rightfully so.
Former San Diego State University wide receiver Brice Butler has had limited opportunities during the regular season throughout his first two seasons in the NFL, but times look like they are changing in Oakland. Butler has looks a lot more polished at the wide receiver position and has continued to shine his explosiveness throughout the preseason.
Butler has 11 receptions for 113 yards and one touchdown in three preseason games in 2015.
Rod Streater has struggled to impress throughout most of the preseason, as he had multiple drops in Oakland’s most recent performance against Arizona. Although he is still a quality depth receiver, Butler could easily slip into the No. 3 spot with his recent production and overall upside.
Another young receiver that has been impressive this offseason is former West Alabama standout Seth Roberts. After spending his rookie season on the practice squad, Roberts is taking advantage of his opportunity to prove the Raiders’ coaching staff that he is ready for a spot on the active roster.
Rounding out the depth chart is Andre Holmes. Though he led the Raiders in receiving yards in 2014, the added talent to the roster and his consistency issues are simply too much for him to edge out any of the other receivers in contention.
Holmes’ injury status also remains unclear, as he reportedly fractured his hand and could miss the next 3-4 weeks according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Next: Oakland Raiders Roster Projections: Tight End