Oakland Raiders 2019 Week 1 53-man roster projection

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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 16: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders slips out of a tackle by Jessie Bates #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /

Tight End

Darren Waller, Foster Moreau, Derek Carrier

After losing Jared Cook, the Raiders top receiving option, the tight end position is in need for someone to break out and become a reliable pass catcher for Derek Carr. At the end of last season, Darren Waller showed a glimpse of what he can do running routes and catching passes.

Waller appears to be the starter at tight end despite drafting Foster Moreau. Waller’s speed and athleticism for a tight end is what separates him from the rest. Waller, the converted wide receiver recorded a 4.46 40-yard dash at the combine, displaying his potential breakaway speed that he can use over the middle of the field.

Moreau, who they took in the fourth-round projects as Lee Smith‘s replacement. He will spend the majority of his time blocking, doing the dirty work in the trenches, but can catch some passes if needed too.

Gruden loves to play with multiple tight ends, and Derek Carrier can find himself in that role as the secondary option. Goal line formations will likely be his forte, utilizing chip blocks and picking up linebackers blitzing off the edge.

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