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Raiders: Ten players that are crucial to the 2018 season

By Thomas Wheaton

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders directs his team before throwing the ball during the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders directs his team before throwing the ball during the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 19: Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders makes a catch against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 19: Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders makes a catch against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

3. Amari Cooper

Amari Cooper took a big step back last season from his two consecutive 1,000 yard seasons in 2015 and 2016. Cooper will be starting the peak of his career as he will be 24-years-old when the 2018 season begins. With three seasons of experience under his belt, Cooper is ready to take the league by storm. His talent is obvious, nobody questions it. His route-running is spectacular, but his drop-rate has been his biggest flaw.

Thankfully, that is something that can be corrected. Edgar Bennett, the new wide receivers coach, and Jordy Nelson can both help Cooper with his drop issue. Cooper has the physical make up and football IQ to be elite, he just needs to put it all together.

With a competent offensive coordinator and head coach, and a healthy Derek Carr slinging him the rock, Cooper is poised to have an incredible season for the Raiders. If Gruden and co. can get him going early on, Cooper is a threat to lead the league in receiving yards next season. If Cooper learns from his mistake in 2017, and rekindles his 2016 form, he will be in for quite a season.

2. Khalil Mack

Khalil Mack is arguably the best defensive player in the NFL. J.J. Watt, Von Miller, and Aaron Donald all have arguments, but simply to be in the conversation is more than enough proof that Mack is a generational talent for the Raiders. Unfortunately, Mack hasn’t had a lot of help in the pass rushing department over the last few seasons. Well, quite frankly, he hasn’t got much help in any form on defense recently. As a result, teams were able to game-plan around him and figure out ways to slow him up.

That should change this coming season with the additions of Arden Key and Maurice Hurst Jr. as well as utilizing Bruce Irvin more as a rusher. With more capable pass-rushers, it will be harder for teams to only worry about Mack. By eating up double teams, Mack will create opportunities for his teammates. And that doesn’t mean he isn’t getting in on the action, it should actually make him more productive.

In each of the last three seasons, Mack has recorded double digit sack totals. Honestly, 10.5 sacks was probably disappointing for him last season. Mack will surely be fired up and ready to go this year and is a serious contender for Defensive Player of the Year honors. Mack’s importance to the Raiders is glaringly obvious, he will (hopefully) be a crucial member of the team until he retires as a Raider.

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