Heading into the 2019 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders didn’t need much help at receiver. The team already traded for future Hall of Famer Antonio Brown and signed Tyrell Williams to a big deal this offseason.
However, Oakland lacked a dependable slot receiver. The team has tried to fill that role in multiple years with the likes of Seth Roberts, Griff Whalen, and Ryan Switzer, but none ultimately panned out for the Raiders. For one reason or another, none were reliable enough in the middle of the field.
On the third day of the draft, the Raiders found their new slot receiver in Clemson’s Hunter Renfrow. While Renfrow has very poor measurables and speed, all he does is get open. And when he gets open, you can count on him to make the reception.
According to Pro Football Focus, Renfrow had the lowest drop rate in the ACC last season, dropping just 2% of his intended targets.
During his college career, he caught 186 passes for 2,133 yards and 15 touchdowns, including the game winner in the 2016 National Championship game against Alabama. Despite his lack of size and speed, all Renfrow does is come up clutch in big games.
Renfrow is the ideal slot receiver for the Raiders, especially with Brown and Williams on the roster. The two veterans should stretch the defense vertically, allowing Renfrow to operate underneath, especially on third down. Look for Renfrow to become one of Derek Carr’s favorite targets on critical downs.
