Raiders: How Josh McDaniels can get Derek Carr back to the Pro Bowl

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 27: Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Las Vegas Raiders scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 27, 2020, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Raiders: How Josh McDaniels can get Derek Carr back to the Pro Bowl

Hunter Renfrow

While it is already a running joke, Hunter Renfrow fits many stereotypes about McDaniels wide receivers. Very similar to former Patriots Julian Edelman and Wes Welker, Renfrow is one of the NFL’s best slot wide receivers. Derek Carr’s favorite target, McDaniels undoubtedly has plenty of creative plays envisioned for him.

For those who remember, the diminutive Wes Welker had over 1,000 yards and 100+ catches in every season he played under McDaniels. Not quite as statistically dominant, Edelman also had three thousand-yard seasons under McDaniels and was crucial in many of their playoff runs.

Renfrow, fresh off his first 1,000-yard season has many of the same qualities. One of the best route runners in the NFL, he is the best receiver on the Raiders by a wide margin. As such, he will, again, be targeted often.

Another 100+ catch season is certainly not out of the question. Most interesting would be if McDaniels could get him downfield more. Averaging just over eight yards per target in 2021, Renfrow has shown flashes of contested catchability and can easily separate on double moves. This will be the next step in his game.

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