Oakland Raiders: Ranking biggest team needs in 2019 NFL Draft

2. Tight End

The Raiders allowed tight end Jared Cook to walk in free agency. He amassed career highs in receptions (68), yards (896) and touchdowns (six) during the 2018 campaign. In a crucial year for quarterback Derek Carr, the front office should add a playmaker at tight end to compensate for a notable loss.

Once Cook agreed to terms on a deal with the New Orleans Saints, Gruden gave a shoutout to Darren Waller, per NBC Sports Bay Area’s Scott Bair.

"“This Darren Waller is very interesting,” Gruden said. “We’re going to give him the chance of a lifetime. So, if you’re listening out there Darren, let’s go brother. I really think he’s intriguing. It will be an interesting training camp for him.”"

Those who follow the Raiders know public praise from Gruden doesn’t amount to much in the grand scheme. Waller played wide receiver at Georgia Tech and then transitioned to tight end with the Baltimore Ravens during the 2016 campaign. The league suspended him for the entire 2017 season because of a substance-abuse policy violation. He’s still a project at tight end with only 16 games under his belt at the position.

Lee Smith can catch, but that’s not his forte — logging 56 receptions in eight seasons. The Raiders need an athletic pass-catcher able to dominate matchups with linebackers and safeties in open space.

In a league where there’s increased focus on matchups, Carr and the passing offense need a big-body receiver who can win one-on-one situations with good hands and speed on the intermediate routes.