Las Vegas Raiders: Highest rated PFF rookies and surprises in 2019

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: (EDITORS NOTE - This image has been converted to black and white) Oakland Raiders helmet is seen on the field after the game between Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 06, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 20: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders catches a first down in the second quarter Will Redmond #25 of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Darren Waller

In the player review article posted recently, we did a deep dive in to the incredible numbers that Darren Waller put up in 2019 but we cannot overstate how much this young man came out of nowhere to become one of the best tight ends in the NFL.

From the scrap heap of the Ravens practice squad to a Pro Bowl alternate would be impressive for any player, but for one with the challenges Waller has overcome off the field it becomes downright incredible.

The good folks at PFF clearly felt the same way as they named Waller the surprise performer at his position and gave him a grade of 83.1 which was quite a bit of the top ranked George Kittle, but still fantastic nonetheless. Waller caught 90 passes for 1,146 yards and did so as the undisputed number one option with no true receiving threat to draw attention from him. Raiders fans can only imagine what damage Waller could do with a true number one receiver lined up alongside him.

Grade: 83.1

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