The Oakland Raiders were aware they needed to address their wide receiver rotation this offseason. Head coach Jack Del Rio made it clear that Derek Carr was the starting quarterback for the franchise and the goal was to build around him for the future. That effort started with the receiving rotation and while the contract to Crabtree helps, it might not be enough to get the job done.
Crabtree knows he needs to impress and impress early. The former San Francisco 49ers receiver sat on the open market for a long time waiting for the right contract to come along. Most teams viewed Crabtree as an injury issue or locker room headache, but the Raiders gave him a shot. Now, the receiver is taking advantage of it.
"I have a lot to prove," Crabtree said, via the San Francisco Chronicle. "A lot to prove. Ain't got nothing to lose and have a lot to prove. I'm here. Guys want me and need me. I talked to the coach. He wants me and needs me. I feel comfortable. I can't wait to go play."
Crabtree has been almost non-existent over the past two seasons. Part of that is due to an Achilles injury and another part is due to simple struggles on the field. The receiver has just 982 combined yards over the past two seasons which is why the Raiders only inked him to a one-year, prove-it contract. The low numbers from Crabtree only amplify the need to get a No. 1 guy into the rotation. The Raiders have James Jones and Andre Holmes returning to the mix, but still need the big-time playmaker.
According to ESPN's Todd McShay, the Raiders are still likely planning on drafting either Amari Cooper or Kevin White with the No. 4 overall pick unless blown away by a trade offer. Both wide receivers will be crucial to the offense and Carr while being a jolt of youth and athleticism into the rotation. Crabtree was merely brought on to the roster for depth and options, but he is not a top target anymore.
Del Rio is confident in what Crabtree can bring to the table along with what players like Trent Richardson have to offer. Both players are in a situation where they must prove themselves as Oakland might be their last chance at a lengthy NFL career. That type of confidence is pushing the Raiders away from things like a trade for Adrian Peterson. CSNBayArea.com does not believe the Raiders will pull the trigger on getting a deal made with the Minnesota Vikings opting to continue building through the draft and not giving up picks like in the past.
