The Oakland Raiders are finding playmakers in the most unlikely guys. Four of the team's top performers were not drafted coming out of college. Starting quarterback Matt McGloin, wide receiver Rod Streater, fullback Marcel Reece and wide receiver Andre Holmes sat home through all seven rounds of the draft and did not get a call. However, now all four have stepped up and carrying the Raiders this season.
Holmes missed the start of the season due to a four-game suspension. After spending time with four organizations and making three trips to the waiver wire, it appeared this might be his last chance at an NFL career. Well the receiver is certainly making the most of it and now injuries are forcing him into a spotlight he deserves this season.
The Raiders might not be winning many games, but they are showing a ton of potential thanks to some looked-over players stepping up. In the Thanksgiving loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Holmes put up seven catches for 136 yards, surpassing his career best numbers. On the season, Holmes has 2012 receivign yards in just six games played.
"It's taken me three years to be able to do it, and I think it's just been a matter of development and figuring out the skills I need when I'm out on the field," Holmes said, via Contra Costa Times. "The ball was coming to me, and I was able to make plays on it."
The Raiders have been in search of a receiver that can make the big plays. After releasing Darrius Heyward Bey in the offseason, Oakland looked like they might be short on pass catchers. Then an injury forced top receiver Denarius Moore to the bench leaving room for someone, anyone to step up for the team. Head coach Dennis Allen is thankful Holmes answered the call.
"I just think when the ball went to him, he went up and made the plays," Allen said. "He's a big target and can really stretch the field vertically."
Allen is right about the vertical threat Holmes has developed into. At 6-foot-4, he has the size and physicality the Raiders have been lacking. He is also developing a strong amount of chemistry with McGloin that is putting plenty of balls in his path. In his second year in the NFL, Holmes appears to be finding his niche as a deep-threat receiver, capable of winning the one-on-one battles with the defense. His teammates are certainly noting the amount of improvement he has shown. Streater praised former JUCO player for becoming an NFL threat.
"Andre has been doing this since camp. I think the four-game suspension kind of threw him off, but you see he goes out there and makes plays," Streater said. "He might not be the fastest, but you put the ball in his area, and he's going to come down with it."