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?
Over/Under Darren Waller 80 catches: Over
Waller is just getting his young NFL career started so there’s much belief that his best is yet to come. Last season, the Raiders’ offense ranked 24th in the NFL but it wasn’t due to Waller’s efforts. In his first full season in the NFL, Waller ranked second among tight ends to the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce in receptions and receiving yards.
It’s clear, the Raiders found a diamond in the rough with Waller as he’s solidified himself as a high caliber tight end for obvious reasons. So now with another offseason worth of training and possibility to see an uptick in offensive production, Waller could very well see another step forward in this upcoming season.
Waller averaged just over five catches per game, despite only seeing minimal looks in the red zone. Waller’s combination of size and elusive speed presents a difficult matchup for opposing defenses to stop. I would expect Waller to see a substantial increase in red zone targets, resulting in a total of more than three touchdowns as he accumulated just last season.
Waller’s versatility as a route runner who can operate in the slot and on the outside will help keep him on the field with more regularity compared to most tight ends around the league. From a blocking standpoint, he’s enhanced his abilities to contribute as a legitimate run-blocking tight end when called upon.
With his presence as a pass-catcher and willingness to stay home as a blocker, Waller’s chances of reaching the 80 catch benchmark with his all-around ability is something that is extremely feasible given his skillset.