One of the breakout stars of the 2019 NFL season was none other than tight end Darren Waller of the Raiders. Waller was initially drafted in the sixth round by the Ravens but tallied just 18 receptions in his first four seasons in the NFL.
Waller was initially drafted to be a wide receiver, but head coach Jon Gruden had the foresight to move the former Georgia Tech star to tight end. In his first full season as a tight end, Waller caught 90 passes for 1,145 yards and three touchdowns.
In a recent article by Bucky Brooks of NFL.com, he ranked the top-five tight ends currently in the NFL. Not surprisingly, Waller made the list at No. 5 after his outstanding season in 2019. Here is a snippet of Brooks’ thoughts on Waller going forward:
“The former college wide receiver is nearly impossible to defend with a linebacker or defensive back thanks to his size (6-foot-6, 255 pounds), speed (4.46 40), athleticism (37-inch vertical) and polished set of route-running skills. With the Raiders deploying him out wide and utilizing him as a super-sized wide receiver, the fifth-year pro has quickly become one of the most dangerous playmakers at the position.”
Waller will be the team’s top option in the passing game again in 2020, but they are hoping he can continue to make strides in the red zone. Waller finished the 2019 season with just three touchdowns as the Raiders were one of the league’s worst teams in the red zone last season.
If Waller can improve on his touchdown totals next season, there is nothing stopping him from becoming the very best tight end in football. Look for Waller to have another massive season this year with the Raiders.
