Over the last several months, there has been a steady drumbeat of hype surrounding the newest tight end for the Raiders; Darren Waller. After making the transition from wide receiver to tight end, Waller appears ready to have a monster season for Oakland.
In a recent article for ESPN, beat writer Paul Gutierrez named Waller as a breakout candidate for the 2019 season. Take a look at why Guiterrez believes the former Georgia Tech receiver could set career highs this year:
Sure, he’s played only a combined 16 games since the start of the 2016 season, after failing a drug test. But he said he has been “clean” for two years now and is highly motivated. Physically, he has the hands and speed of a receiver and the size of an imposing blocker. Jon Gruden’s offense is friendly to tight ends and, at 6-foot-6, 255 pounds, Waller will benefit, as Jared Cook did last season with 68 catches for a team-leading 896 yards.
With Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams likely drawing attention from defenses down the field, Waller should have several one-on-one matchups in the middle of the field with smaller and less-athletic defenders. While he is going to need some time to grow into his role, everything is set up for Waller to have a monster season in Oakland.
