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The 2019 regular season is officially in the books, and while we're already looking ahead to the 2020 offseason, let's take some time to look back at the Raiders' roster, position by position, to see what the new year could hold for the Silver and Black.
Next up, the wide receivers.
Overview:
Where to even begin with the 2019 Raiders' wide receivers?
Well, if you can remember all the way back to March 13, the Silver and Black traded for Antonio Brown, and while the mercurial athlete never played a meaningful snap for the team, his subsequent signing – and then release – defined much of the offseason, particularly for the wideouts.
With Brown no longer in the mix, Tyrell Williams assumed the role of the de facto No. 1 wide receiver on the team, and while his first season as a Raider had no shortage of ups and downs, the rangy wideout did finish 2019 as the team's leading "receiver" with 651 yards and six touchdowns.
(Also, before you all freak out and say, 'don't forget about Darren Waller!' I'm not, let me remind you that we're talking exclusively about the wide receivers on the roster)
Now, No. 16's first season in Silver and Black was far from perfect – he battled injury all year, and ultimately missed two weeks because of said injury – but when Williams was right, he proved to be a valuable member of the Raiders' offense, particularly in the early portion of 2019.
Throw in the fact that Williams' role – along with the role of every other offensive player on the roster –changed on September 7 when Antonio Brown was released, and it's hard to overstate just how wild of a season it was for the Raiders' wideouts.
While Brown's exodus from the roster did indeed throw a wrench in the offensive game plan, what it also did was provide opportunities for guys still on the roster, and give credit where it's due, as a handful of young guys took advantage, none more than Hunter Renfrow.
Selected in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Clemson Tiger quickly grew to be a favorite of Derek Carr's, and when he was absent for a handful of games dealing with a rib injury, the offense certainly missed his production.
In total, Renfrow appeared in 13 games, hauling in 49 catches for 605 yards and four touchdowns.
Oh, and yes, it felt like 90 percent of those catches came on third down.
Now, aside from Williams and Renfrow, the Raiders' stable of wideouts really did seem to fluctuate week to week, as Zay Jones, Keelan Doss, Marcell Ateman, Trevor Davis, J.J. Nelson, Ryan Grant, and Dwayne Harris all caught passes for the Silver and Black in 2019.
I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention Rico Gafford, who made his presence felt once he made his 2019 debut Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans.
Number to Know:
Two hundred nine.
That's how many receiving yards Hunter Renfrow had over the final two weeks of the regular season, which also coincides with his return from injury. Not only did No. 13 feast in terms of receptions and receiving yardage at the tail end of 2019, he also found the end zone twice in that time frame as well.
Entering 2020…
Marcell Ateman – Under Contract
Keelan Doss – Exclusive Rights Free Agent
Rico Gafford – Under Contract
Dwayne Harris – Unrestricted Free Agent
Zay Jones – Under Contract
Hunter Renfrow – Under Contract
Tyrell Williams – Under Contract
Head Coach Jon Gruden said it, as did General Manager Mike Mayock – the Silver and Black's wide receiving corps has to be better in 2020.
Yes, I know that the sudden exodus of The Wide Receiver Who Shall Not Be Named threw an unexpected wrench in the position group as a whole, but regardless, there were times throughout the season where the Raiders simply just didn't get the overall production from the wide receivers that they would have liked, and definitely lacked that dynamic option out wide – particularly with Williams operating at less than 100 percent.
With an uber-talented group of pass catchers already declared for the 2020 NFL Draft, along with a healthy Tyrell Williams, could that need be filled in short order? Absolutely, but the fact remains, how Gruden and Mayock decide to handle the wide receiver position on the active roster will be an interesting storyline to follow throughout the offseason.
Position Group MVP:
Even though he missed a handful of games, I'm giving the nod to Hunter Renfrow.
"Third and Renfrow" got better week after week, and even though he was a rookie, he quickly became one of Carr's favorite targets; to really show his value, just look at how much the team's offense missed him while he was on the shelf rehabbing injury.
2019 was a great start to Renfrow's career, and I, for one, can't wait to see what the sure-handed wideout has in store for 2020.
Check out part two of the best images taken during the Raiders' 2019 Season.
Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden heads to the locker room following the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) makes a tackle during the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) makes a tackle during the Raiders preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) makes a tackle during the Raiders preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Raiders wide receiver Rico Gafford (10) celebrates with quarterback Mike Glennon (7) after scoring a touchdown during the Raiders preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Raiders quarterback Nathan Peterman (3) rushes during the Raiders preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) runs after making a catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) makes a tackle during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) goes up for a catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates after a play during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) celebrates after making a tackle during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders defensive end Benson Mayowa (91), linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50), and cornerback Daryl Worley (20) after a defensive stop during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) blocks for tight end Darren Waller (83) during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) rushes for a first down during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) blocks for running back DeAndré Washington (33) during the Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes a 18-yard touchdown catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Raiders wide receiver Keelan Doss (18) runs after making a catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the Raiders regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) runs after intercepting a pass during the regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) celebrates with linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) during the regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
The Raiders huddle before the the regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates his 12-yard touchdown run with tight end Foster Moreau (87) during the regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) and guard Richie Incognito (64) block as quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks for a receiver during the regular season game against the Green Bay Packers.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) celebrates after scoring on a 10-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Green Bay Packers.
Raiders wide receiver Marcell Ateman (88) makes a catch during the regular season game against the Green Bay Packers.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) stands on the field during the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden stands on the field before the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders tackle Trent Brown (77), guard Gabe Jackson (66), offensive lineman Andre James (68) and guard Richie Incognito (64) block for quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates after wide receiver Tyrell Williams' (16) 46-yard touchdown reception during the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (12) and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) celebrate after Renfrow's 65-yard touchdown reception during the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) runs after making a catch for a 65-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders cornerback Daryl Worley (20) intercepts a pass during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) makes a catch during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) returns an interception during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) stiff arms the defender while returning an interception 56 yards for a touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) punts during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) celebrates after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) sacks the quarterback during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) celebrates after making a 2-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates after a 3-yard touchdown run during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25), linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) and linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) celebrate during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) celebrates with teammates during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Raiders celebrate after cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) intercepted a pass during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the New York Jets.
Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) during the regular season game against the New York Jets
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the New York Jets.
Raiders defensive line coach Brentson Buckner during the regular season game against the New York Jets.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) breaks a tackle during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) is congratulated by wide receiver Keelan Doss (18) after rushing for a 14-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) and safety D.J. Swearinger (21) make a tackle during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks for a receiver during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders safety D.J. Swearinger (21) rushes the quarterback during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes to tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks for a receiver during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) is congratulated by fullback Alec Ingold (45) after a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) runs to the end zone on a 40-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) eyes the quarterback during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks for a receiver during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), cornerback Isaiah Johnson (31) and defensive end Benson Mayowa (91) celebrate during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee (52) celebrates during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Dion Jordan (95) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sack the quarterback during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) celebrates with linebacker Marquel Lee (52) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) rushes during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes as guard Gabe Jackson (66) blocks during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) rushes during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders fans celebrate after quarterback Derek Carr (4) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
