News and notes from Raiders mini-camp
By Evan Groat
![May 23, 2017; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass during organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports May 23, 2017; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass during organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/JustBlogBaby-cover-aa172b9787559cf1b5cf281aaf679667c155d71dd8ab62052902094af7b540fd.jpg)
Derek Carr and Amari Cooper connecting on the deep ball
Raiders insiders who were present at day one of mini-camp all echoed similar thoughts — Carr and Cooper look fantastic. And in particular, that famous AC/DC deep call connection is in midseason form.
As I swiped through numerous tweets from Raiders insiders who were present at day one of mini camp there was a common theme among all of them: Amari Cooper and Derek Carr look fantastic.
Derek Carr drops a dime downfield to Amari Cooper in stride, Sean Smith trailing #Raiders
— Jerry McDonald (@Jerrymcd) June 13, 2017
Not that I enjoy hearing Sean Smith is still getting torched for explosive plays, but it’s good to know it’s Amari Cooper on the receiving end.
Incredible leaping, diving catch down the sideline by Amari Cooper. Amerson was in coverage but Cooper jumped to grab and hung on.
— Jimmy Durkin (@Jimmy_Durkin) June 13, 2017
Carr and Cooper are looking to cement their names among the best QB-WR combos in the league, and they seemed prime to make that leap to the top this upcoming season.
Carr had this to say about connecting with Cooper on the deep ball today:
Raiders QB Derek Carr on importance of getting Amari Cooper involved downfield. Has a couple of nice ones Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/GH9D6NJYBg
— Jerry McDonald (@Jerrymcd) June 13, 2017