Oakland Raiders: Top 5 fantasy football options, stat predictions
TE Darren Waller
ADP: N/A
Waller’s fantasy outlook seems the most volatile, but if you’re looking for a sleeper pickup, he’s the perfect candidate as the front-runner to start at tight end. Offensive coordinator Greg Olson also talked about developing him into a complete player at the position and not stunting his growth, per NBCS Bay Area’s Scott Bair:
"“Would it stunt his growth if Jared was here? Possibly. So now that he has that position, it’s your position, you are the ‘Y’ in certain personnel groupings. We’re going to put you out there on the field and you’re going to play. You’re going to get better from playing. You’re not going to wait and sit behind Jared Cook and have to wait your turn, you have to go now. We’re really pushing him to the limit right now.”"
Clearly, Waller has a clear pathway to a prominent role. Because of his background as a wide receiver, he may need to focus on blocking to play more offensive snaps, but the 26-year-old should become a viable threat on passing downs.
Through two down seasons, Carr connected with Jared Cook 122 times for 1,584 yards and eight touchdowns. The Raiders signal-caller can spot a good matchup with a pass-catching tight end.
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Waller just started playing the position in 2016 and served a yearlong suspension in 2017 for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. So, don’t expect him to become a top-five fantasy tight end overnight, but the coaching staff will certainly design some plays to highlight his skill set.
Fantasy Prediction: 44 catches, 596 yards, 5 touchdowns