The 2019 draft class has already been one of the best in recent memory for the Raiders. Not only did they find a stud running back in the first round, but they added key pieces to their offense and defense in players like Maxx Crosby and Hunter Renfrow on the third day of the draft.
One of those Day 3 rookies that has been lost in the shuffle a bit despite a strong first season is tight end Foster Moreau. A fourth-round pick out of LSU, Moreau quickly rose up the depth chart and became a fantastic No. 2 tight end behind Darren Waller.
Unfortunately, Moreau’s season was cut short after a knee injury forced him to go on the injured reserve list for the final three games. However, he appears to be healthy now and has been fully participating in practice, according to offensive coordinator Greg Olson in the team’s most recent media availability:
“Yeah, really excited about Foster coming back. You don’t notice anything. You notice no limp; you notice no swelling. He’s out there, he’s running every rep. He feels great in talking with him. He had the Louisiana doctors from LSU do the surgery and he’s very confident in them doing it and he’s been very confident in how the entire rehab process is taking place. So, there’s been no holding Foster back. He’s been full go since he’s got here.”|
Despite only starting seven games (13 appearances), Moreau had the second-most touchdowns on the team. And while the team did add veteran Jason Witten this offseason, Moreau is an ascending player whose best football is still ahead of him.
Moreau is an elite athlete and showed the ability to function as a blocker in multiple roles last season. With some improvement as a receiver, he could certainly develop into a starting-caliber tight end despite Waller playing ahead of him. Now that he is fully healthy, expect Moreau to be a big part of the Raiders’ offense this season.
