The Oakland Raiders took a step forward in adding more weapons for quarterback Derek Carr to work with in his second season as the starter, but Michael Crabtree might not be enough to get the job done. Crabtree tweeted out that he was signing with the Oakland Raiders after a long bout of free agency while ESPN confirmed a one-year, $3 million contract with $2 million in roster bonuses available. Crabtree is a solid addition who could be productive when healthy, but he still is not enough.
For a team lacking a true No. 1 wide receiver, the contract to Crabtree did nothing to help the effort. James Jones and Andre Holmes return to the rotation, Crabtree simply adds to the mix, but does not elevate it. If he is not healthy, he could easily be a roster cut. With Holmes gaining just over 700 yards last season as the leading receiver, the Raiders would be wise to still draft a top pick for offensive help.
According to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr, Amari Cooper is still very much an option for the Raiders despite the signing of Crabtree. Making their first pick at No. 4, Cooper could very easily fall right into the lap of the Raiders and they would be wise to take advantage of it. A wide receiver trio of Jones, Holmes and Crabtree is nice, but Cooper would be a game changer. Head coach Jack Del Rio made it clear the team is fully invested in making Carr successful and getting a receiver like Cooper would certainly progress that plan.
A receiver is the biggest first-round need for the Raiders right now with a rotation that consists of players that are used to being a No. 3 option. Rodney Hudson upgraded their offensive line while Curtis Lofton and Nate Allen improved the defense. A wide receiver is the biggest lingering need. However, does the run game need help as well?
After letting Darren McFadden walk away and Maurice Jones-Drew retire, the Raiders brought on Roy Helu and Trent Richardson, both of whom could either be hit or misses. That begs the question of whether or not Adrian Peterson will still be an option after reinstatement. According to Rapoport, the Raiders are not a predicted landing spot anymore for the running back. The Minnesota Vikings are expected to command a lot in a trade and the Raiders are doing better rebuilding in the draft than getting high-priced free agents. They will stick with that plan over fighting for Peterson.
