Derek Carr’s arsenal of weapons
In 2019, Derek Carr did not have too many weapons, yet he still was able to set a career-high in passing yards, and complete 70 percent of his passes. Outside of tight end Darren Waller and Josh Jacobs, the Raiders were thin for most of the season in terms of weapons Carr could rely on.
Tyrell Williams started off hot as the Raiders WR1, but as the season progressed, it was clear that Williams did not fit the role, but he could be a solid WR2 if he stayed healthy. In fairness to Williams, he did suffer a terrible injury for a wide receiver, but when he was right, he was a touchdown machine.
Hunter Renfrow was a great addition as well, but he fits best in the slot as a player that can make the occasional big play. The Raiders addressed the receiving group heavily in the 2020 NFL Draft, using their first pick on Henry Ruggs III, a speedy wide receiver from Alabama that not only possesses speed and explosiveness that the Raiders lack, but also has great hands and route running.
The team also brought in Bryan Edwards, a tall receiver that has the ability to use his size and dominate defensive backs on jump balls. They also added Lynn Bowden Jr, one of the most dynamic players in the draft.
Bowden Jr has the ability to play multiple positions and can open up the Raiders play book in a ton of different ways. Bowden Jr rushed for over 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, as well as receiving for 348 yards.