You can make a really strong case that Darren Waller is currently the second-best tight end in the NFL. After back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons, Waller has established himself as one of the best-receiving weapons in sports. However, he is still somehow underrated.
In a recent article by Pro Football Focus, they ranked their top-50 players entering the 2021 season. Only two tight ends were listed (Travis Kelce and George Kittle) and failed to mention Waller. That is incredible considering the consistency and sheer dominance Waller has displayed over the last two seasons.
For the Raiders to make the playoffs this season, they are going to need Waller to continue to dominate. In fact, they might need him to even better in 2021 than he was last season.
He is the type of player that can carry an offense and completely take over games. In 2020, he posted five games with at least 100 receiving yards and had two performances with at least 150 yards and a touchdown. For a tight end to dominate like that is rare and there are only a few players from the previous few decades who could replicate those types of games.
Look for Waller to have another fantastic season in 2021 and hopefully, start to earn the respect that he deserves.
