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2016 Raiders depth chart breakdown, 53-man roster projection, position battle: Wide receiver

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Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

We know who the quarterbacks will be in Oakland as well as that Derek Carr is the starter. Likewise among his receivers there's no question of who will be the starters. But the story doesn't end there. There are a lot of hopefuls looking to make their mark this season -- all of whom went undrafted.

Starters:

Amari Cooper - 2nd year
Michael Crabtree - 8th year

Cooper enters his second season since the Raiders used the fifth overall pick on him in the 2015 draft. He will look to build upon a rookie season in which he had 1066 yards receiving and made the Pro Bowl as an alternate. Crabtree was signed to a long term extension late last season after having initially signed with the Raiders on a one-year deal. They have cemented their place as the Raiders top two receivers.

Reserves:

Seth Roberts - 2nd year
Andre Holmes - 5th year
Joe Hansley - Rookie (UDFA)

Roberts worked his way up the ranks quickly last year, going from undrafted free agent practice squad player to dependable third receiver. He too has earned his way into the good graces of his quarterback and coaches. Holmes was allowed to test free agency this offseason and after receiving no interest he returned on a one year deal. He is a niche receiver as a big target for jump balls, but has been anything but reliable in how many of those jump balls he comes down with. Hansley is a wildcard here as a small, speedy slot receiver and punt returner. That is the role they want from him and he appears to have the inside track on it.

Position battle

Andre Holmes vs Andre Holmes

Once again, Andre Holmes's only competition is himself. He flatlined in his progression from 2014 which means he fell behind. If he can inspire confidence in the team, he will earn his spot. If not, they will be on the lookout for a better option or he will barely see the field on offense. As of now there are no other receivers on the team that fulfill his duties. He has added value as on special teams coverage and blocking.

Practice squad

Max McCaffrey - Rookie (UDFA)
Jaydon Mickens - Rookie (UDFA)

Through OTA's and minicamp, these two have shown the most potential to hang around on the practice squad. Mickens's sample size is much smaller due to his having to graduate at Washington before he could attend camp, but it doesn't take long to see his natural hands catching ability and speed. The Raiders are also trying him as a kick and punt returner which increases his chances of sticking around.

The rest

Johnny Holton - Rookie (UDFA)
KJ Brent - Rookie (UDFA)
Marvin Hall - Rookie (UDFA)
Nathan Palmer - 3rd year

53-man roster projection (12/53)

Quarterbacks (3)

Derek Carr
Matt McGloin
Connor Cook

Running backs (4)

Latavius Murray
DeAndre Washington
Jamize Olawale
Taiwan Jones

Wide receivers (5)

Amari Cooper
Michael Crabtree
Seth Roberts
Andre Holmes
Joe Hansley

Bubble watch

RB Roy Helu Jr

Practice squad (3/10)

RB Jalen Richard
WR Max McCaffrey
WR Jaydon Mickens