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Stock Watch – Wild Card Edition: Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans

By Maliik Obee

Jan 7, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook (8) is chased out of the pocket by Houston Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) during the fourth quarter in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook (8) is chased out of the pocket by Houston Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) during the fourth quarter in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Stock Up

Let’s start with players whose stock is on the rise.

Jan 7, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) returns a punt in the first quarter against the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) returns a punt in the first quarter against the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Jalen Richard

While quarterback Connor Cook received the brunt of spotlight for starting as a rookie in the postseason, another first-year guy stole the show.

Jalen Richard’s 37-yard punt return Saturday was the longest in Raiders playoff history. While Oakland’s run game was non-existent, Richard continues to show the potential that GM Reggie McKenzie saw when he signed him as an undrafted free agent.

With Latavius Murray potentially on the way out via free agency, Richard could be in line for a larger role next season.

Andre Holmes

If it wasn’t apparent before, wide receiver Andre Holmes should be re-signed, and given more playing time. The 2017 unrestricted free agent led Oakland in reception yards with 50, as well as snagging a touchdown.

Holmes continued to display why he is a special teams threat, and overall valuable asset. As a gunner, Holmes continues to make tackles, while putting in effort to pin teams within the 20-yard line on Marquette King punts.

Khalil Mack

While Mack and the Raiders defense failed to produce a sack, he may have secured the Defensive Player of The Year award.

Mack finished the game with 8 solo tackles and 3 assists. Pro Football Focus noted that Mack’s 7 run stops were the most by a 3-4 outside linebacker this season. Mack is the highest-rated PFF defender for the season, and he has yet to reach his prime.

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