Oakland Raiders: 7-Round 2018 mock draft in mid-March
No matter what the Raiders do for the rest of the offseason, their weapons for Derek Carr are going to look different. Releasing Michael Crabtree to sign Jordy Nelson was an interesting move that may hurt them at the wide receiver position.
Crabtree may not have been the most emotionally stable player, but he was consistently productive for the Raiders at wide receiver. Nelson has had an incredible career, but we do not know what he can do without Aaron Rodgers. Plus, Nelson certainly looked a step slow coming back from his major knee injury last season.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Amari Cooper will be the focal point of the Raiders offense next season with Nelson being the clear number two. Whether Nelson ends up being a viable number two receiver or not, the Oakland Raiders could use an injection of talent at the position. In particular, a guy who can stretch the field would be nice.
Keke Coutee is an explosive wide receiver who shows ridiculous natural speed on the field. He can consistently beat opposing defensive backs deep with his raw speed, always commanding attention from opposing defenses.
With his speed alone, opposing defenses simply must give their cornerbacks help over-the-top against Coutee. Whether he lines up in the slot or on the outside, Coutee is a big play waiting to happen. If nothing else, he should open up space for other players in the Raiders’ offense.
At 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, Coutee may not be able to handle the consistent physicality of the NFL. However, his elite speed and quickness immediately make him an intriguing offensive weapon.