What the Oakland Raiders can expect from Hunter Renfrow in Year 1

Oakland Raiders fifth-round pick Hunter Renfrow had a productive college career, but what should we expect from him in year one under Jon Gruden?

The Raiders currently sit with a new, and very well established core of wide receivers heading into the 2019 season. With the additions of Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams, the group of wideouts project as a much improved bunch from how they were viewed just one season ago.

Another intriguing pass catcher that’s expected to have a key role in the offense is rookie wide receiver Hunter Renfrow. The former Clemson Tiger was known at his alma mater to shine in the big moment and was someone who consistently rose to the occasion.

The former college star has his sights sets on the starting job at slot receiver. He’ll have to emerge as ‘the guy’ in training camp, as Ryan Grant and J.J Nelson will also be in the mix for the starting nod come week 1.

Renfrow brings an adequate skill set to the Raiders, with terrific hands and polished route running. He’s doesn’t possess runaway speed like some pass catchers in the slot do, however, his willingness to compete and do the fundamental principles are what made him so effective in college.

For those who aren’t familiar with Renfrow, he walked onto Dabo Swinney’s Clemson program and fought his way into a starting role as a freshmen. Dating back to the pre-draft process, coach Swinney had nothing but high praise for his former pass catcher.

"“I wish I could have him for five more years,” said Swinney. “He’s special, he’s such a great teammate and leader. He’s just a worker, and to me he’s the epitome of what makes this game great. When he puts that helmet on, he’s superman.”"

General Manager Mike Mayock clearly took notice to Renfrow’s ability, as he traded up during the fifth-round to grab him.

The Raiders have experienced a lot of dropped balls among their pass catchers over the last couple seasons. However, with the addition of Renfrow, he should help put some of those dropped passes to rest with his superior hands.

With training camp approaching Renfrow is an intriguing player to keep an eye on with him battling for a starting spot, and how Gruden will implement his skillset into his offense.