5 bold predictions for the Oakland Raiders in 2018

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden (L) talks with Raiders owner Mark Davis during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 10: Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Darrelle Revis (24) prepares to cover Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) in the first quarter of an AFC West showdown between the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs on December 10, 2017 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Amari Cooper will go over 1,200 yards receiving

There’s no denying the fact that Amari Cooper took a significant step backwards last year. He went from back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons to just 48 catches for 680 yards in 2017. One of Gruden’s main objectives will be to get Cooper back to his best.

It’s safe to bet on Cooper bouncing back in his fourth NFL season. The departure of Michael Crabtree should help him grab a bigger percentage of targets from Derek Carr. He’s now unquestionably the most talented receiver on the roster. The Raiders will adjust their offensive game plan accordingly.

If Gruden’s offense is going to threaten opponents through the air, Cooper is going to need to turn in a Pro Bowl season. He certainly has the talent to make that happen. A 100 catch season is definitely not out of the question. If he gets the ball that often, he’s going to produce serious yards.

In all fairness, this prediction will only require Cooper to put up 50 more receiving yards than he did back in 2016. That’s not a big ask. Look for Cooper to reemerge as one of the top receivers in the NFL under Gruden’s tutelage.

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