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.
Las Vegas Raiders: Who will be Derek Carr’s favorite WR target in 2021?
The Las Vegas Raiders have an elite tight end in Darren Waller, but who will be Derek Carr’s favorite wide receiver in 2021?
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.