Analyzing the Raiders Wide Receiver situation entering the 2022 offseason
Analyzing the Raiders Wide Receiver situation entering the 2022 offseason
Returning Players
The Raiders will be returning two of their three opening-day starters from 2021. Hunter Renfrow will continue to man the slot and could easily flourish under McDaniels in the mold of Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, and Danny Amendola.
Those names have become household names under McDaniels and Renfrow has already accomplished much in his young career after making the Pro Bowl following a season in which he set career highs in receptions (103), yards (1038), and touchdowns. Renfrow has become a star and the team will continue to rely on him on third down and as a chain mover.
The Raiders will also return 3rd-year receiver Bryan Edwards who is also coming off career highs in notable categories, but that is mostly because Edwards spent much of his rookie season injured or on the bench. Edwards has seen tremendous hype during the previous two training camps, even garnering Hall of Fame level comparisons, but throughout his two seasons, he has been unable to consistently create separation against NFL defensive backs and often disappeared during big games.
However, if Edwards can show what he did in crunch time against Baltimore in week 1, he can hold onto his starting role.
The other receivers under contract are highlighted by Tyron Johnson, a speedster kick returner who didn’t get many offensive snaps last season but has shown the ability to be a vertical threat while with the Chargers. The team also retained Dillon Stoner, D.J. Turner, and Javon Wims on reserved deals.
Stoner represents the most upside. He was a notable favorite of former head coach Jon Gruden and there was even buzz he could earn a roster spot last season. He was promoted midseason but barely saw the field before being waived to make room for Jackson. He can still be intriguing if given a shot.
Turner is also an intriguing backup slot option who showed some glimpses during the preseason, while Wims is more known for his on-field antics than his production and it was quite telling that he was never promoted to play for a team that needed a deep threat.