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Tight end should not be an issue for the Oakland Raiders in 2019

By Brad Weiss

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 16: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders breaks a tackle by Jessie Bates #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals before being dragged down short of the goal line by Shawn Williams #36 during the second quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 16: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders breaks a tackle by Jessie Bates #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals before being dragged down short of the goal line by Shawn Williams #36 during the second quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Jared Cook led the Oakland Raiders in receiving yards the last two seasons, and even though he is gone in 2019, the team is fine at the tight end position.

Over the last two seasons with the Oakland Raiders, Jared Cook has established himself as one of the better pass-catching tight ends in the NFL. The only Raider to make the Pro Bowl last season, Cook once again led the team in receiving yards, which says a lot about the weapons Derek Carr had the last two seasons.

Do not get me wrong, Cook was a beast while playing for the Raiders, and I do think that he will be missed in the offense this upcoming season. However, the Raiders have talent to step in and fill the void in 2019, and with how many weapons Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden brought in at wide receiver this offseason, whoever takes his place will not have to play such a big role.

Darren Waller came over from the Baltimore Ravens last season, and showed he has some big play ability. In addition, the Raiders signed Luke Willson as a free agent, and though they got rid of Lee Smith, Derek Carrier is back for a second season in Oakland.

In the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Raiders tapped LSU tight end Foster Moreau, who is a solid blocker, and has some nice hands as well. All in all, this may be a deeper collection of talent than the last couple of seasons, as the team also has guys like Paul Butler and Erik Swoope fighting for a roster spot this summer as well.

Cook revitalized his career wearing the Silver and Black, and should have a very good season catching passes from Drew Brees. When it comes to the Raiders depth at the tight end position,  they have guys who can step up and succeed in this offense, and none of them will have to be leaned on to lead the team in receiving yards in 2019.

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Waller has all the physical gifts to be a legitimate pass-catching tight end in the league, and he appears to have put his issues behind him. There is going to be some serious competition at this position group this season, and that is only going to bring out the best in the players they still have on the roster at the position.

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