Out of Nowhere

Roberts stands out among star-studded WR corps

On an offense that features two potential Pro Bowl wide receivers, a quarterback with budding MVP credentials and an offensive line that is without question one of the best in the business today, Seth Roberts has found a way to stand out.

Whether he’s catching the game-winning touchdown against Baltimore in 2015 or breaking a pair of tackles to deliver a walk-off win in Tampa Bay this year, Roberts has not only proven to be an effective playmaker but he’s also making teams pay for focusing all of their attention on Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree.

In short, Roberts has been the perfect example of the type of player Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio delights in: Good talent, a tremendous work ethic and the desire to continually get better.

That he’s done it without the glitz and glamour that follow his two higher-profile wide receiver teammates is equally impressive. Roberts went undrafted and was considered an afterthought in Oakland’s offense by most people, an image that is quickly changing.

“Seth came out of nowhere,” Del Rio said. “Seth was just given the opportunity to compete and he ended up being the third-best guy in that group. He’s continued to play that way and earn that. We feel like you get what you earn in a lot of different areas.”