Amari Cooper the latest Reggie McKenzie pick gone, who’s next?

Chances are if Jon Gruden has said something good about you, you could be traded. In his introductory press conference Gruden said “one of the reasons I came back to coach is Khalil Mack.” He also said, “Amari Cooper will be the centerpiece of this offense.”

A few months after making those comments both of the former top five picks were sent packing. Since Jon Gruden arrived he has completely turned the Raiders roster upside down.

It was clear from the moment Gruden took control over this organization that he was not satisfied with Reggie McKenzie’s draft classes. In fact, only three of McKenzie’s 12 first and second round picks remain on the current active roster (Derek Carr, Karl Joseph, Gareon Conley).

Gruden was heavily criticized for the Khalil Mack trade but has received some praise for getting a first round pick in return for Amari Cooper. The Cooper deal makes sense for the Raiders. For whatever reason, the AC/DC connection has not been the same as it was in 2015 and 2016. Because the Raiders picked up his fifth year option, the Cowboys will inherit his 2019 salary of $13.9 million. Cooper’s agent, Joel Segal will demand big time money when the contract expires. The Raiders were not going to enter another stand off with a Segal client.

The question now is who’s next? According to a report by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport he believes the Raiders are not done making moves.

In the past two weeks, the names linked to possible trades have included Karl Joseph, Jared Cook, and Gareon Conley. Cook could be an attractive target for a tight end needy team in the hunt to make the playoffs. Conley seemed like a trade candidate after he was benched last week against the Seahawks (zero defensive snaps). But the player who is most likely to be next has to be another former first round pick — Karl Joseph.

Joseph has struggled to find a role since joining the Raiders. He also has been sidelined since week three with a hamstring injury, after the game in London, Gruden said he expects to have Joseph back after the bye week, which would mean he could pass a physical for a trade.

Even before the injury Joseph was not a part of the defensive game plans, playing in only 11 snaps on defense. Already loaded with three first round pick’s in the 2019 draft, a trade of Karl Joseph could add to the Raiders already impressive stock of picks in next year’s draft.

Raiders fans have no choice at this point but to embrace the tank and look forward to the 2019 draft.