Just Blog Baby
FanSided

Las Vegas Raiders 2020 Over/Under: Darren Waller 80 catches

By Nicholas Cothrel

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball against Kenny Moore #23 of the Indianapolis Colts in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball against Kenny Moore #23 of the Indianapolis Colts in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 2
Next
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 29: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders icelebrates after a 79-yard reception against the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of a game at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 29: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders icelebrates after a 79-yard reception against the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of a game at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

DarrenWaller caught the league by storm last season, filling the shoes of former Raiders tight end JaredCook. Waller went on to be the team’s No.1 receiving option down the stretch run, cementing himself as a vital part of Jon Gruden’s offense.

During the 2019 offseason, the Raiders determined it was in their best interest to let pro-bowl tight end Jared Cook hit the free-agent market, providing Darren Waller his first opportunity in a starting role. A move that was viewed as “unprecedented” by many, eventually ended up paying huge dividends as Waller caught a staggering 90 passes for 1,145 yards and three touchdowns.

Jon Gruden had large expectations for Waller in his offense and his new tight end didn’t disappoint. After five weeks of play, the Raiders rewarded Waller during their bye week, giving him a four-year, $29.8 million contract extension.

Gruden’s trust in Waller proved to be correct as the former Georgia Tech wide receiver led the Raiders in receptions and receiving yards. Waller’s leap in production was easily the biggest jump by any player on the team, dating back to the previous season.

Expectations in 2020 are set sky-high for the pro-bowl caliber tight end, but a new question presents itself:  Can Waller stack another high-level season after breaking out in 2019?

Home/Las Vegas Raiders News