ALAMEDA –The first-round pick reaped from the Amari Cooper deal won't help until 2019 at the earliest, leaving the Raiders to make up for Cooper's loss with what they have left on the roster.
Cooper played most every offensive snap when healthy, meaning Raiders reserves have a tall task ahead. His dynamic presence and respect from opposing defenses won't just transfer to the new guys. A committee will try to combine strengths and help Jordy Nelson and Jared Cook in the pattern to keep the Raiders air attack flying high in Sunday's game against the visiting Indianapolis Colts.
"Each game is different, this is another game here that we'll see who's got a hot hand throughout the course of the game," offensive coordinator Greg Olson said. "That plays into it, who are the matchups on the outside. But again, we feel like we have a number of guys at different positions that can step up and take place."
Nelson will start as he always has. Cook will be heavily involved in the passing game. Expect Martavis Bryant to start in Cooper's spot and for Roberts to assume a bigger role, with Brandon LaFell and practice-squad promotion Marcell Ateman in reserve. Dwayne Harris will remain a return specialist as a reserve, but should be active each week to help on special teams.
"You lose a really good player, everybody has to step up," head coach Jon Gruden said. "Jordy obviously is going to be playing multiple positions. I think you'll see more of Seth Robert. I think LaFell is a good player. He's played at a high level. He's been in a Super Bowl. He knows how to play this offense. We'll lean on all our receivers and certainly our tight ends as well."
Bryant is now the team's most talented receiver remaining. He's a speed demon by trade and a deep threat by size and physical traits. Bryant wants to be viewed as a complete receiver, a point he'll have every chance to prove with Cooper gone.
Bryant was criticized for struggling to learn multiple receiver positions in camp, and he has bungled several important opportunities over the first six games. His talent, however, is unquestioned.
Sports
"I think he's such an explosive player," Olson said. "I think it will help him the more he's in the system, the more he's here and is able to be around and stay within one system. In time, I think that helps a player like Martavis Bryant, because he's got tremendous skills, tremendous size and speed and he's still really kind of learning the system."
Learning the system will help Bryant fit in. Making some big plays Sunday against Indianapolis will help build trust with quarterback Derek Carr.
Bryant may be better on the outside, leaving Roberts to man the slot – he's most comfortable there – and create a steadier receiver spread where Cooper moved around freely.
Cooper was a dominant player in some instances, invisible at others. The attention he's consistently paid will impact Nelson's job, likely Cook's as well. The Raiders hope Bryant and Roberts can crank the production up and keep the passing game going.
Nelson will be charged with setting a good example and getting the receiver corps going after a big loss.
"I'll show it by the way I practice and play on Sunday," Nelson said. "We're not where we want to be, and the only way we can improve those results is by performing better in games.
"In terms of who steps up, it will be a wait-and-see. One thing I would say about athletes in general, is that we have short memories. We know we have to prepare well to go play a game. The Colts won't care that one of our guys got traded. We have to show up and play well."
