Michael Crabtree is getting a second chance. After being a first-round draft pick to the San Francisco 49ers, the wide receiver failed to develop into the star they were looking for as injuries and inconsistencies caused him to be released onto the free agent market this offseason with no negotiations for an extension. After sitting on the market, the Oakland Raiders offered Crabtree a chance at redemption and so far he is making the most of it.
As the Raiders wrap up OTAs and head into mini camps, the wide receiver position has been an area of focus. The Raiders finally have a true No.1 threat in Amari Cooper, but the talent around him has some question marks. The biggest one was how Crabtree would respond to a new team and new offensive system. Head coach Jack Del Rio is happy with what he has seen so far.
"I think he's done a nice job learning his teammates, learning our system, coming in and working hard," Del Rio said, via SFGate.com.
The rise of Crabtree likely puts any free agency interest on the back burner for the Raiders. The team was considered a landing spot for players like Wes Welker and Reggie Wayne who sit without a team, but with Crabtree playing well and Cooper looking like the real deal, that is no longer necessary. Instead, players like Andre Holmes, Trindon Holliday and Rod Streater will be eyed to step up for the third spot in the starting rotation.
The running back rotation is also continuing to work itself out. Del Rio told the media that he is encouraging competition between Trent Richardson and Latavius Murray. According to ESPN's Bill Williamson, Murray is beginning to distinguish himself as the starting back as Del Rio is very confident in his position on the team.
"Right now, he's been running with the lead group, but he knows that he has to earn that through camp, through the preseason," Del Rio said, via ESPN.com. "But he's done a nice job this offseason. He is taking steps and growing as a young player."
According to ESPN's John Clayton, the Raiders are a potential landing spot for Ray Rice. He believes that because there is a lot of doubt surrounding Murray and Richardson, the Raiders would be wise to add a home run threat to the roster. Del Rio appears confident in the rotation the team currently has in place which means a free agent deal is unlikely.
