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If you search the internet for news about Derek Carr, the former quarterback for the Fresno State Bulldogs, you will undoubtedly learn that the Oakland Raiders have a “crush” on this young signal caller.
Even though his quality of competition has been called into question, Carr still managed to have a monster year in 2013. He totaled 5,082 passing yards, 50 touchdown passes and only threw eight interceptions. With those type of numbers, Carr has several NFL teams interested in his talents. Where Carr signs will have several ramifications for fantasy football players, and what happens to this young quarterback if he signs to Oakland needs to be followed closely.
Carr’s favorite target in college was 6-foot-2, 212-pound Davante Adams. If he signed with the Raiders, he would be able to throw to another wide receiver with a similar physical build in 6-foot-1, 208-pound James Jones. As a veteran leader, Jones would be a solid target for Carr, and the duo could quickly build a nice rapport. Rookie quarterbacks are know for finding security blankets, and Jones would be his go to guy.
Fantasy players would also need to look into the involvement that Darren McFadden would have in the passing game with Carr leading the team. For Fresno State, running back Josh Quezada finished the 2013 season with 290 receiving yards and one touchdown reception. How effective McFadden will be in the passing attack will obviously revolve around the play calling, but the touchdown receptions for Carr’s main running back is a little concerning.
Finally, if Carr signs to Oakland, what would that mean for the fantasy season of Matt Schaub? If Schaub struggles or is injured at any point, fans will be screaming for the Raiders to put Carr in. The team will most likely start the veteran to give the rookie quarterback time to grow, but nothing in the NFL is a guarantee. For the most part, the signing of another quarterback would hurt the fantasy value of Schaub because of the fact that he has competition.
While Carr may not take the world by storm in his first season, the Raiders have enough options to allow the young quarterback to have a relevant fantasy season.
If you planned on drafting any player for the Raiders, pay close attention if Carr finds himself wearing black and silver in 2014.
Jack Delaney is a fantasy football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jackbmore13, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
