Without Hunter Renfrow in 2021, it is hard to imagine the Raiders offense even scoring a single point. Always a reliable target for Derek Carr, he was relied upon heavily last season after the loss of Henry Ruggs and injury to Darren Waller.
His response to the new workload? Just a career-best 103 receptions for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns. Once considered Carr’s security blanket as a crafty slot receiver, he quickly became the team’s number one receiver and proved he was more than up for it.
In 2022, the Raiders will be coached by former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels who oversaw massive seasons from both Wes Welker and Julian Edelman, both of whom possess similar skillsets to Renfrow. While he likely will not be asked to take on such a heavy workload next season, it would not be unheard of in a McDaniels offense.
Barring injury, Las Vegas will have both Davante Adams and Darren Waller to help take the pressure off Renfrow and perhaps make things even easier for the dynamic wideout who just got a handsome contract extension of his own.
Another year, another quietly great season from Keenan Allen. This time, it was 106 receptions for 1,138 yards and six touchdowns that helped him make a fifth straight Pro Bowl appearance. This would also be his fifth season with over 1,000 receiving yards. Simply, he is one of the league’s best receivers.
Despite this, he never seems to get the respect he deserves. Not mentioned nearly as often as other top receivers, he has the numbers to hang with any of them. As one of the best route runners in the NFL, his highlight tape is a lengthy one. Regardless, he just keeps producing.
Barring injury, there is no reason to expect Allen to slow down in 2022. With a superhuman quarterback in Herbert, Allen will have plenty of chances to create big plays while also providing a security blanket for one of the league’s best passers.
While he barely got edged out on this list, Allen is still a top fifteen receiver in the NFL, who is arguably in the top ten. With more fireworks to come in 2022, another great season likely awaits. The guy above him is just on another level.