Jared Cook had another big season for the Oakland Raiders in 2018, and he was named the team’s Most Improved Player by PFF this season.
The Oakland Raiders did not have much to write home about this season, as they won only four games, and really struggled on both sides of the ball. However, one player continues to shine for the team, and this past week, he was named the team’s most improved player by Pro Football Focus.
Jared Cook came over to the Raiders prior to the 2017 NFL season, and in the past two years, he has been the team’s leading receiver in each campaign. In 2018, Cook set a career-high in targets (101), receptions (68), yards (896), and touchdowns (6).
Needless to say, it was a breakout season for Cook, who really stepped up when the wide receiver group was riddled with injuries, and a trade of their best weapon. Amari Cooper was traded to the Dallas Cowboys during the trade deadline, and while his loss was a tough one, the team actually played better without him in the lineup.
According to Pro Football Focus, Cook saw his overall grade improve 15 points from 2017 to 2018, which was the highest improvement on the team. In 2017, he was graded out at 63.2, and this season he upped that number to 78.2.
Not only was Cook able to fill up the stat sheet, but he was a reliable security blanket, and played big in games where the rest of the team really faltered. He went over 100 yards four times, including his best game of the season, an eight-catch, 110-yard, and two touchdown effort against the Cleveland Browns back in Week 4.
Cook is not under contract for next season, so the Raiders should do all they can to retain his services. He has been the favorite weapon of Derek Carr over the past two seasons, and has become one of the bigger pass-catching tight end threats in the NFL since putting on the Silver and Black.
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