Oakland Raiders: 3 Sleeper contributors who could impact the 2019 season
TE Darren Waller
By now, Raiders fans know Darren Waller quite well. Oakland plucked him off of the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad in November and inserted the 26-year old into the lineup in spots for the final four contests of the 2018 campaign.
Waller played 42 offensive snaps, caught all six of his targets for 75 yards and flashed quickness with long strides on a handoff that went 21 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15.
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Fantasy football enthusiasts should take heed of head coach Jon Gruden’s words about Waller’s performance during the spring. Although he acknowledges the big void to fill at tight end, the Raiders’ lead skipper seems pleased with the youngster’s development, per NBCS Bay Area’s Scott Bair.
"“We’ll we said, I think the last time we talked, since he’s been here he’s been one of our most impressive players,” Gruden said. “He played a key role last year when he got here. He’s got some big shoes to fill, I know he respects that, but he’s versatile, he’s smart, he’s fast. He wants to do good, he’s a great kid.”"
At training camp, we’ll see how much Waller has grown from his limited time on the field last year. At 6-6, 255 pounds, he’ll have the opportunity to physically match up with linebackers and defensive backs downfield and show off his skill set.
We can’t expect Waller to match Cook’s 2018 Pro Bowl numbers, but the converted wide receiver has the hands to take advantage of one-on-one matchups because of the attention Brown draws downfield.