Oakland Raiders 2019 team award predictions and analysis

Biggest Surprise of 2019: Darren Waller

The Raiders have many improved pieces this season and there is so much to choose from but my choice for the biggest surprise for this season is tight-end Darren Waller. Waller played four games for the Raiders last year and gained six catches for 75 yards.

Jon Gruden likes himself fullbacks and running backs which leaves the door open for play-action passes. Even better is the division the Raiders play in has some poor pass defending linebackers, even though they all have a great talent for pass-rushing.

Waller is 6’6″ and 255 pounds, making him about the size of Rob Gronkowski with the hands of a wide receiver too. Waller has the potential to be a great blocker and a receiver.

Also, with a fullback on the roster, the Raiders will presumably have a big package for the offset and I-formations with two tight-ends providing more opportunity for the former Raven to get some action in the passing game.

Important to note, too, is Waller’s ability to run-block as well. Increasingly important is a hybrid tight-end which can run routes like a receiver but also having the ability to block like a tackle. Waller has the unique ability to do such a thing. While watching some film on him I noticed he makes good use of his hands while using his legs as leverage and doesn’t get holding calls.

Most tight-ends get holding calls due to their lack of run-blocking skills but Waller only has four holding calls on him in his career. He gets his hands inside and pushes with his legs while getting lower than the defender and pushing up instead of pushing down like most tight-ends tend to do – a habit that’s hard to break.

The Oakland Raiders have a great season ahead and will prove they are not to be counted out in the AFC West.