Las Vegas Raiders: Expect more of the same from Hunter Renfrow
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders have seen very consistent play from Hunter Renfrow in his first two seasons, and you can expect more of the same in 2021.
Since being selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Hunter Renfrow has become a security blanket for quarterback Derek Carr. Their relationship grew early on, as they worked out all summer after Renfrow was drafted, and that connection bled into the regular season.
Not an intimidating presence by any means off the field, Renfrow has developed into a beast within the white lines, becoming one of the more consistent Raiders across the last two seasons. He has become automatic on third down, earning the nickname “Third and Renfrow,” and for Carr, that has been a blessing.
The wide receiver group for the Raiders was in flux last season, with Nelson Agholor coming out of nowhere to assume the WR1 role, while rookie first-round pick Henry Ruggs III struggled. Through it all, Renfrow was a mainstay for this offense, and you can expect more of the same in 2021.
Raiders need someone to step up at WR1
While there are still questions as to who will be the WR1 in 2021, as Agholor left the Raiders for the New England Patriots in free agency, there is no question who will be the key on third down. Between Renfrow and tight end Darren Waller, the Raiders have two outstanding options when short-yardage is needed, and that is not going to change this Fall.
In Agholor’s absence on the outside, the Raiders could turn to John Brown, who will don the magical No. 15 in his first season in the Silver and Black. In all honesty, Ruggs stepping up and assuming the WR1 role is the best-case scenario, and the team will also need to see improvement from a fellow second-year player, Bryan Edwards.
Overall, there is enough talent, whether veteran or second-year guys, for this to be a special position group for the Raiders this season. While it remains to be seen who will make an impact on the outside, one thing is for sure, and that is Renfrow will be the man on third down moving the chains.