Oakland Raiders Rumors: Amari Cooper Set to Start at Wide Receiver

By Cheri Cheng - 12 May '15 13:37PM

Amari Cooper is well on his way to a starting position with the Oakland Raiders.

The number four overall pick in this year's draft has impressed the Raiders during Day 1 of rookie minicamp, leading Bill Williamson with ESPN.com to believe that Cooper will be a starting wide receiver come September.

Williamson said, "He [Cooper] will instantly be the Raiders' best receiver. Andre Holmes led the Raiders with 693 receiving yards last year. Cooper had 26 catches of 20 yards or longer. What makes Cooper so special? He will immediately make 2014 second-round pick, quarterback Derek Carr, better. Carr had his moments last season - he threw 21 touchdown passes without many weapons. The Carr-Cooper combination could be key to Oakland becoming relevant again in the AFC West."

The Associated Press wrote, via USA TODAY Sports, "The Raiders are expecting Cooper to provide the most immediate help. Cooper is considered one of the most polished receivers to come out of college in recent years and figures to instantly become quarterback Derek Carr's top option in the passing game."

In Cooper's last season at Alabama, he made 124 catches and recorded 1,717 yards with 16 touchdowns. Throughout his three-year college career, he made 228 catches for 3,463 yards and 31 touchdowns.

"He's going to be a good player," coach Jack Del Rio said. "He's just coming in getting started like all the rest of them. He's a young man transitioning into the league. There's a lot of work to do. It's good to have him here and participating."

Cooper signed a rookie contract with the Raiders that is reportedly around the $20 million mark for four-years with a fifth-year team option. The exact details of his contract have not been disclosed.

Aside from Cooper, the Raiders have also signed 14 undrafted free agents, including Carr's old teammate, Josh Harper. Harper caught 79 passes for 1,011 years and 13 touchdowns when he played college football with Carr in 2013.

"Derek was happy about that," Del Rio revealed. "We did not discuss that with him prior to getting him here. But I know he was happy to have him join us. He's a guy who has some return ability, understands a little bit how to create separation and get open and has good hands. We're glad to have him in camp."

The Raiders also added Cody Fajardo, Rob Daniel, Jimmy Hall, Tevin McDonald, Terrell Pinson, Jacoby Hale, Braylon Mitchell, Josh Shirley, Quinterrius Eatmon, Gabe Holmes, Gus Johnson, Leon Orr and Milton Williams.