Cooper looking 'more comfortable' in second year with Raiders

Wide receiver Amari Cooper made the Oakland Raiders' scouting department look exceptionally smart last season, putting up 1,070 yards in his rookie campaign.

Cooper led his team in receiving yards despite failing to top the 20-yard mark in four games, battling a foot injury, and registering an unusually high number of drops. He kept to himself during his first season, but as a second-year pro, Cooper is opening up to teammates.

"He’s a young guy, and he was just learning his way around but going to the Pro Bowl while doing it," quarterback Derek Carr told Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com about Cooper as a rookie. "He has (always been) very special, but now he’s more open. He’s more talkative. But everyone is like that their rookie year, no matter who it is.

"There is so much going on mentally in this game that a lot of guys are more reserved and quiet, not to us, but in general. Now, you see he and ‘Crab’ joking more because he is more comfortable."

Veteran receiver Michael Crabtree knows what it's like to be a highly touted prospect coming into the NFL and has been impressed with Cooper's progression early in his career.

"It’s one year and every year adds experience," Crabtree said. "It’s one of those things when you have talent like that you just build off of it, really with the knowledge of the game. You’re getting smarter and different situations on the field, and I feel like he is doing that. I can’t wait to get out there with him in games and do our thing."

Cooper and Crabtree are expected to be the featured weapons for Carr in the Raiders offense with tight end Clive Walford and receiver Seth Roberts chipping in as well. With an improved offensive line and an overhaul of defensive free agents, Cooper and the Raiders are expected to take a big jump forward towards becoming a championship contender.