Las Vegas Raiders: Darren Waller’s jump in the top-100 was not big enough
By Brad Weiss
Las Vegas Raiders star tight end Darren Waller jumped from 99 to 35 in the NFL’s top-100 list, but the jump was not big enough.
By now, we all know the incredible story of Darren Waller, a player the Raiders took a chance on a few years back, and one that has paid off in a big way. After being spotted on the Baltimore Ravens practice squad, Waller has entered the organization and become a star, emerging as one of the more complete offensive weapons in the NFL.
Entering his fourth season with the team, including his third as a full-time starter, Waller has taken the NFL by storm. After appearing in four games in 2018, Waller became a star for the Silver and Black in 2019, hauling in 90 catches for over 1,100 yards and a few touchdowns.
Last season, Waller broke out in an even bigger way, setting the Raiders single-season receptions record with 107, while nearly reaching the 1,200-yard barrier. Also, he upped his touchdowns from three in 2019 to nine in 2020.
Recently, the NFL Network released their top-100 players for the 2021 season as voted on by the players, and while Waller had a nice jump in the rankings, going from 99 to 35, it was not big enough.
Raiders star a top-20 player entering 2021
Looking around the NFL, Waller has to be seen as a top-20 player, especially with how he can impact a game at any time. He is a rare blend of size, speed, and catching ability, and for a team with no real answer at wide receiver, he became a constant for Derek Carr, surpassing the 100-catch mark.
The NFL Network is current at the top-10 players, having recently released 20-11, and fellow AFC West tight end Travis Kelce has still yet to be named. Kelce is certainly worthy of being a top-10 player in 2021, but with how close Waller is to him in terms of production, not having him in the top-20 is a bit laughable.
For the Raiders, outside of Derek Carr, Waller is the most important player on this roster, and based on what he brings to the table, he should be a top-20 player in the league. He is an elite tight end, cannot be covered by linebackers, corners, or safeties, and I believe he will emerge as the best tight end in football in 2021.