The Oakland Raiders have been looking for a franchise quarterback for quite some time. Rich Gannon was the last Raiders QB to have any type of success — both in the win column and statistically — with guys such as JaMarcus Russell, Terrelle Pryor and Jason Campbell failing to have sustained, or any, success at the helm.

Now five years since drafting super-bust Russell, the Raiders may actually have their quarterback for the future in Derek Carr. Just a second-year player, Carr showed big-time ability in his rookie year, throwing for 3,270 yards, 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Raiders’ record doesn’t show much, but that’s not because of Carr’s play.

Amazingly, the Raiders had just four rushing touchdowns all season — the worst in the league. No team had fewer rushing yards, either. For a rookie quarterback, that’s the worst possible scenario. No help from a running game not only puts more pressure on you to perform, but it also allows defenses to play the pass more knowing the rushing attack is far from effective. Not to mention, play action has just about no effect without a half-decent run game. Nevertheless, Carr still made the most of what he had.

On the outside, 31-year-old James Jones was Carr’s most reliable target. Next in line for receptions was his tight end Mychal Rivera, followed by Andre Holmes and fullback Marcel Reece. Thankfully, Carr’s top receivers should change dramatically in 2015. The Raiders drafted a playmaker in Amari Cooper and signed free agent Michael Crabtree. With those two additions alone, Carr will get the help he so desperately needed last season.

Cooper will be Carr’s favorite target, as he’s a great route runner and can make defenders miss after the catch. Hauling in 75-plus catches as a rookie is a real possibility for Cooper. Crabtree, on the other hand, is a possession receiver who should catch at least 60 balls, as long as he stays healthy. These two receivers will allow Holmes to play as a No. 3 threat, a role he’s more suited for in this offense.

With new weapons on offense, Carr should make a big leap in year two. I don’t think he’ll be a Pro Bowler just yet, but he’s proving to be one of the best quarterbacks in the 2014 draft class.