The Oakland Raiders are expecting big things from Amari Cooper, who reminds head coach Jon Gruden of a franchise legend.
With Gruden on board in Oakland, expectations are high for the Raiders heading into next season. If the Raiders are going to challenge for the division and a playoff berth, they will likely need big seasons from offensive stars Derek Carr and Cooper.
Prior to entering the NFL, Cooper reminded his current head coach of a young Tim Brown. If Cooper can return to the form he showed during his first two seasons in the league, it will go a long way in helping the Raiders get to where they want to go.
“I said it when he came out of Alabama, that he reminded me of a young Tim Brown,” Gruden told AL.com. “He has that type of game speed. He’s elusive and has a wide range of routes he can run. He’s flexible. It’ll benefit him to stay healthy and stay in the same system for a few years. If he does that, great things are ahead.”
Over his first two seasons, Cooper hauled in 155 passes for 2,223 yards and 11 touchdowns. Cooper endured a frustrating 2017 seasons that saw him catch only 48 passes for 680 yards, although he did have seven touchdowns. He also suffered an ankle injury late in the season that hampered him.
Given Cooper’s physical gifts and abilities, there’s no wonder Gruden wants him to be the focal point of the passing game in 2018. That should lead to numbers we are accustomed to seeing from Cooper, who will benefit from a head coach whose specialty is on the offensive side of the ball.
