Oakland Raiders Derek Carr says the ‘Sky’s the Limit’ for Rookie Amari Cooper

By Cheri Cheng - 02 Jul '15 10:04AM
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The Oakland Raiders gave quarterback Derek Carr one heck of a weapon when they drafted wide receiver Amari Cooper. Carr, who appeared on Tuesday's 95.7 The Game, only had good things to say about the rookie.

"His work ethic is second to none," Carr said, via the Raiders' website. "I was throwing with him as soon as minicamp was over so we can get more reps in, and our plan was to throw a couple more times, but he texted me that night. He said, 'Hey, let's throw at least three more times. I need to get this one route right.' Just him telling me that kind of stuff, it blew my mind."

Cooper, who was drafted fourth overall out of Alabama, was considered by many analysts to be the most NFL-ready wide receiver out of all the rookies, and it seems like Carr is more than impressed.

"He is ridiculous in and out of his breaks. His style of play is perfect for this league," Carr, who was drafted in 2014, said. "He's good at getting on toes and creating separation. He's good at when the ball is in his hands making those fast-twitch movements to make a guy go one way so he can take it to the house. It's just little things that honestly people don't even notice."

He added, "I think the sky's the limit for him, obviously. Hopefully I just get the ball into his hands so he can make the plays."

If Carr and Cooper can connect well this season, they and the young team might be able to turn the Raiders' success around. The Raiders have not been able to finish over .500 in 12 seasons.

Bill Williamson with ESPN.com believes that the Raiders can have a great season. He wrote:

"I expect Carr to make significant strides in his second year. He prepares well and is a good fit for Oakland's new up-tempo offense. The Raiders will use the no-huddle offense more this year and Carr used that offense almost exclusively late in his career at Fresno State. The Raiders drafted receiving weapons, Amari Cooper (receiver, first round) and Clive Walford (tight end, third). These players will help Carr and I expect the position to be a bright spot for Oakland in 2015."

This past season, the Raiders finished 3-13.

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