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Las Vegas Raiders 2019 rookie grades: Josh Jacobs stars, Maxx Crosby breaks out

By Cody Williams

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Raiders 27-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Raiders 27-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Las Vegas Raiders (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Las Vegas Raiders (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Isaiah Johnson, CB (Round 4, Pick 129)

Isaiah Johnson‘s rookie season got off to a rocky start in the preseason when he suffered a concussion and a facial fracture that stunted his early development and perhaps the possibility to secure a role on the defense. When he was finally healthy, he rarely saw the field.

The Houston product saw fewer than 20 defensive snaps for the entire season, so it’s hard to give him a true grade for his rookie campaign. There’s a reason that the Raiders liked him as a high-upside fourth-round pick given his physical tools but as to how ready he is, we can’t say with any kind of certainty right now.

Grade: Incomplete

Foster Moreau, TE (Round 4, Pick 137)

Because of the emergence of Darren Waller as perhaps one of the best tight ends in the NFL, you might not think there was much room for rookie tight end Foster Moreau to make an impact. However, not only did Moreau live up to the billing as a quality blocking tight end that served the Raiders well but he made an impact as a red zone pass-catcher as well.

Moreau finished the season with 21 receptions for 174 yards and five touchdowns, far exceeding the expectations of many people for him as a pass-catcher. Pairing him with Waller gives the Raiders a high-end tight end duo to roll with as they move to Sin City.

Grade: B-

Hunter Renfrow, WR (Round 5, Pick 149)

Athletic testing and measurables be darned, Hunter Renfrow is a viable weapon out of the slot in the NFL. Anyone that watched him at Clemson could have told you that given his craftiness as a route-runner and perhaps the surest hands of any pass-catcher in the 2019 NFL Draft class. And once he got on the field consistently, he showcased that with the Raiders.

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Developing a good connection with Carr working out of the slot, Renfrow came on strong as the year went on, including a pair of 100-yard outings. He finished the season with 49 catches for 605 yards and four touchdowns. While the Raiders still need a deeper wide receiver corps, Renfrow is clearly a key piece of the puzzle.

Grade: A-

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