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
2 of 2
Next
OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 15: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball after catching a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter of an NFL football game at RingCentral Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 15: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball after catching a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter of an NFL football game at RingCentral Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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.

Next. Las Vegas Raiders 7-round post-combine 2020 mock draft. dark

Home/Las Vegas Raiders News