Jon Gruden is at it again, this time dumping (er, I mean trading) his top receiver, Amari Cooper, to the Cowboys for a first-round pick. Dare I say, this is a great trade for the Raiders. Cooper has immaturity issues and if he is not fed the ball early in games, he tends to disappear. Moreover, even when he is fed the ball, he is not the most consistent ball catcher, dropping many big throws more often than not. The draft has proven over the years that it is not hard to find a top receiver and with Dallas’ first-round pick, the Raiders should be able to find a replacement. In terms of who steps in for Cooper, look for Martavis Bryant and Seth Roberts to see more targets. Perhaps Gruden will land another vet by trade at some point this season (Kelvin Benjamin?).
As for the Cowboys…I know they were desperate to find a top WR, but giving up a first-round pick for Cooper seems to be paying a high price. The Patriots did not pay nearly that much and they got Josh Gordon! This deal gives the Cowboys a legitimate WR1 and moves Allen Hurns to the bench (where he belongs). I actually think that this helps Michael Gallup too, as Cooper will draw the top opposing CB and Gallup will get the better matchup each week. Cole Beasley should remain fine in the slot.
Doc’s Grade: Raiders A-, Dallas C
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