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Oakland Raiders: 5 players who must step up in 2018

By Jose Sanchez III

OAKLAND - DECEMBER 19: A view of an Oakland Raiders helmet at the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 19, 2004 at Network Associates Colesium in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
OAKLAND - DECEMBER 19: A view of an Oakland Raiders helmet at the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 19, 2004 at Network Associates Colesium in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/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) /

Amari Cooper

Cooper really dropped the ball on his expectations last season. Literally. So that’s a start for him to step up. He’s been plagued by drop balls ever since he came into the league and it’s tiresome to see him repeatedly do it. He’s also starting to look injury prone. Cooper has never completed a season unscathed.

There’s just always something bothering him and it’s starting to make him look fragile. Injuries are uncontrollable, so he needs to make it up by eliminating the dropped balls and being able to beat press man.

Prior to last season, Cooper wasn’t too skilled at beating press. That’s why he beefed up in the offseason. He improved, but still struggles because his speed wasn’t the same last season. That’s likely a result of his muscle gain.This is where the addition of Jordy Nelson and wide receivers coach Edgar Bennet comes into play.

Both great minds of the position will be able to unlock Cooper’s potential even further. Nelson isn’t the fastest of receivers, yet can still beat press man.

That was most likely taught by Bennett who has been Nelson’s coach for his entire career. Cooper has already publicly spoken about the vast knowledge of Nelson and how influential he’s been. I don’t recall him ever speaking like that when it came to Michael Crabtree.

Cooper has also been seen getting reps in the slot, which is where he excels at. If Cooper can dodge the injury bug this season, then he’ll be back to his 1,000 yard receiving season.

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