The Oakland Raiders have high expectations for the season with Amari Cooper joining the offense for Derek Carr and he should line up to start alongside Rod Streater, Michael Crabtree and Latavius Murray, while Trent Richardson could risk release if he doesn't have a solid preseason the rest of the way ahead of running back Roy Helu.
The Raiders offense should be much improved over last season, as the team now has a true number one receiver in Cooper. The Raiders have Michael Crabtree coming in after signing a free agent deal, while Rod Streater is making a comeback from a foot injury. All of that combined with Murray being the likely starter at running back should give the Raiders a more consistent offensive unit than last season. Carr is coming in for year two after a strong rookie season and the Raiders feel they have their franchise QB.
According to Raiders.com, the first depth chart for the team has Michael Crabtree and Cooper as the starters for Carr, while Andre Holmes and Kenbrell Thompkins are next ahead of Streater. Streater is where he is because he is coming back from an injury and if he can stay healthy, he should be able to contribute this season. Crabtree has not been able to put up numbers like he did back in 2012 when he set career highs across the board and the Raiders are hoping that he can find that form this season.
Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote that Crabtree has looked very good in camp and that he has been the "star" alongside Cooper. Last season Crabtree had 68 catches for 698 yards and four scores in his first full season since playing in just five games in 2013 after suffering a serious injury. If Crabtree can stay healthy, the Raiders should have a deep group of receivers and it could really give Cooper the chance to shine if he is not the only receiver that defenses have to worry about.
Cooper is expected to get plenty of work this season and he comes in after making three catches for 22 yards in his preseason debut. Streater has the chance to be a sleeper option for the Raiders, as he had promise coming into last season, but he was injured and ended up playing in just three games, making nine catches. The previous year Streater set career highs in his second season with 60 catches for 888 yards and four TDs and now he will be looking to pick up where he left off.
The running back situation is also interesting to watch, as Murray is getting the chance to start, while Richardson could be the number two back if he plays well. According to NFL.com, Richardson could be on the chopping block if he doesn't perform well over the preseason, as he only has a small guarantee in his contract. Getting cut is not likely, but there is a chance it could happen. Richardson is coming in after two down seasons and he is listed as the second back on the depth chart for the moment. The team also signed Roy Helu and Michael Dyer is there as the fourth back.
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