Jon Gruden praises Raiders TE Darren Waller, calls him ‘special’

When the Raiders decided to allow Jared Cook to enter free agency after leading the team in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns, many were worried about how the team would handle the tight end position going forward.

However, general manager Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden knew they had a diamond in the rough in Darren Waller. In his first-ever start, Waller caught seven passes for 70 yards on eight targets. His performance prompted Gruden to call him “special” in his post-game press conference after playing 100 percent of the team’s snaps.

TE Darren Waller was #Raiders one skill position player to play 100 percent of offensive snaps last night. Gruden said role didn't necessarily grow b/c a certain receiver wasn't there.
"We're goign to get the ball to Waller. Waller's special," Gruden said.

— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) September 10, 2019

Without Antonio Brown, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Waller lead the team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. He is a perfect fit in Gruden’s offense, and quarterback Derek Carr seems to love him. Look for Waller to continue to be a big part of the Raiders’ offense going forward.