Las Vegas Raiders: 4 things to expect from pass catchers in 2020

Hunter Renfrow catches 90 passes for 800 yards

The slight receiver out of Clemson is getting a great deal of love this offseason as more and more folks realize how good he was at the tail end of the 2019 season. Renfrow struggled to acclimate to the pro game early on in the season and was low on the depth chart until the roster shake up removed some of his competition.

As the season progressed, Renfrow’s targets and catch numbers steadily increased and he ended the season as perhaps the best wide receiver on the team. Renfrow capped off his great rookie campaign with two back-to-back 100-yard games against division rivals and established himself as a reliable target for Derek Carr.

Third and Renfrow, as he is lovingly referred to by Raider Nation, is the latest in a line of slot receivers who don’t overwhelm you physically but simply know how to get open. Through a combination of crisp route running and spatial awareness, Renfrow was able to consistently get open and make tough catches when the Raiders needed it most. We can expect more of the same in 2020 and he will have even more room to operate thanks to the addition of Henry Ruggs.

Since 2015, an NFL WR has caught 90 passes or more 47 times and many of them, such as Golden Tate and Cooper Kupp, operated primarily out of the slot.  All of these WRs were targeted 120 times or more which is feasible for Renfrow with a full offseason of workouts and a better understanding of Jon Gruden’s offense.

Renfrow’s average yards per reception will drop as a result but he will continue to be Carr’s security blanket on third down.