The Oakland Raiders are prepared to have a wide receiver by committee type of offense this upcoming season. Lacking a true No. 1 target, the team is hoping that their rotation of catchers makes up for that. The Raiders returned their three top receivers from last season along with additions like James Jones and Greg Little, so who emerges as the best option for quarterback Matt Schaub in 2014?
Schaub is used to having a No. 1 receiver. During his time with the Houston Texans, the quarterback was spoiled having Andre Johnson has his reliable go-to guy. However, the Raiders do not have that lucky, instead hoping that their arsenal is prepared to step up in 2014. Andre Holmes is reportedly answering that challenge through the second week of training camp. Holmes came to Oakland as an undrafted free agent and put up 25 catches for 431 yards and one touchdown in his limited time on the field. He is looking even better this season.
According KTVU.com, Holmes is emerging as the No. 1 wide receiver for the Raiders in training camp. Schaub spent much of Monday's training camp praising the wide receiver for his ability to burst off the line of scrimmage and be a real deep threat this season. Schaub noted that Holmes was exactly what he wants in a wide receiver and then some as the two could be poised for some big plays this season.
This is good news for Raiders' fans. Holmes has seen his name tossed in trade rumors along with Denarius Moore and Rod Streater while the Raiders see who emerges as the best target. Holmes' roster spot appears safe thanks to a solid endorsement from Schaub. His abilities on the field should help the offense move forward and fantasy football owners should take notice that Holmes could be a solid No. 2 option in a lineup.
While the offense appears to be in good shape, the defense is still working through things, mainly DJ Hayden. The second-year pro cornerback is at a real risk of having the word "bust" follow his name as he continues to be plagued by injuries. This season has been no different after he was seen with a walking boot, starting training camp with a stress fracture. After admitting frustration, head coach Dennis Allen noted that the Raiders do expect Hayden to be healthy by the start of the season. Veteran Charles Woodson is hopeful that is true, noting that Hayden needs to get over these injuries and start being productive.
"As I've said many times, the most important thing in this game is being out on the field," Woodson said, via NFL.com. "There's only so much being in the film room and studying plays can do for you. It can only take you so far. You need to be out there."