Oakland Raiders need a second wide receiver to emerge

The Oakland Raiders 28-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs highlighted plenty of needs, and among them is the hope for a true second wide receiver to emerge.

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs displayed exactly why they boast the reigning NFL MVP and are regarded as AFC contenders respectively. In their 28-10 victory over the Oakland Raiders, they showed exactly how far ahead they are in terms of roster personnel. Even without Tyreek Hill, Mahomes connected with three different players to find the endzone, and two of them were relative “unknowns” in Demarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman.

Mahomes had different receiving options to go to in that historic second quarter, and that is among the many goals that the Raiders are working towards this season. Oakland boasts talent on the offensive side of the ball, and the potential is great once the chemistry is there between Derek Carr and his receivers.

But until then, the Raiders are waiting to reach that potential, and furthermore, they’re waiting on a true “second wide receiver” to arrive. Sunday’s loss was proof of that reality.

Tyrell Williams may not be the quickest, but through two games he’s displayed his chemistry with Derek Carr and has solidified himself as the Raiders’ number one receiver (his two touchdowns in two games provides justification). The signing of Williams was a great addition this offseason.

It’s no surprise that the Raiders let Jared Cook walk this summer as well, as Darren Waller is younger and faster and boasts plenty of potential to be a number one option in this offense. For the time being though, defenses realize this as well and likely will make him their number one priority for defensive assignments.

It’s in these moments that the Raiders need a second wide receiver to emerge, to prove as a reliable option and keep defenses honest. Carr and Williams were terrific on the opening drive, but defenses will know what to expect and prepare for from those two in the future. Darren Waller is a “matchup nightmare,” so defenses will clearly gameplan for him. Who is the next man up?

Derek Carrier was the third leading receiver Sunday, with three catches for 33 yards. Hunter Renfrow, who works primarily in the slot, had eight targets but hauled in just four of those for 30 yards. JJ Nelson flashed his speed in the preseason but hasn’t seen regular-season action, while Ryan Grant hasn’t shown much so far. Keelan Doss, the hometown hero, still has plenty left to show.

Will any of the above break out and solidify themselves in the number two receiver role? Can we realistically expect them to? It’s early in the season, but the hope is that it does not become a roster hole for very much longer. Tyrell Williams and Darren Waller will be key this season, but those two alone can’t carry the receiving corps. The next man must step up, but who will it be?