The Oakland Raiders are desperate to create a high-flying wide receiving core that will allow offensive coordinator Greg Olson to open up the playbook. While their ground game may be set with Darren McFadden, the Raiders want a core group of receivers that will prove to be dynamic and successful.
In the past five to six seasons, Oakland has a drafted a variety of young receivers that they hoped would be the future of the passing game. Most have come and gone without making a single bit of impact. Oakland passed up on stars like Larry Fitzgerald in 2004 and Calvin Johnson in 2007 in favor of Robert Gallery and JaMarcus Russell. They once made a trade for Randy Moss who stole a paycheck for two years and then left for the New England Patriots. Prospects like Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy failed to live up to their potential, leaving Oakland with a receiving roster that is almost unrecognizable.
The less-than-marquee names are not slowing down head coach Dennis Allen's excitement over the passing game. The focal point of the position group will be third-year player Denarius Moore and second year receiver Rod Streater. Both are expected to start and both are expected to improve. The young receivers excelled in the team's offseason workouts, having Allen realizing the team's overall potential.
"It's as green as grass," Allen said of the receiving group. "But there is all kinds of talent here. It's coming. We just need the guys to step up."
Moore and Streater could be the guys to give Oakland that long-awaited wide receiving tandem. Moore recorded seven touchdowns on 741 yards last season while Streater had 584 yards off 39 catches for three touchdowns. They both proved that while they are young, they have the skillset to make a big impact.
"I think we have a chance to be a good group. There are a lot of good athletes in this group. We all are trying to get better together," Streater said.
Along with Moore and Streater, Jacoby Ford will round out the top three receivers on the team. Ford has had injury issues over the past, but when healthy he is an explosive player and a deep threat. He missed the past season with foot issues, but insists he is doing much better now. Juron Criner will be entering his second year with the team and appeared to make great strides in OTAs. Oakland also drafted Brice Butler and Conner Vernon to round out the unit.
Both Allen and quarterback Matt Flynn think the potential of the receiving group is off the charts. The quarterback is ready to take advantage of all the new weapons he will have this upcoming season.
