This offseason has been an eventful one for the Las Vegas Raiders, whether it be moving to a new home, changes to the roster or navigating the challenges of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Now that a majority of it has passed though, it seems the Raiders have put themselves in a good spot to compete for a postseason berth in 2020. Throughout free agency and the draft, the Raiders were able to add a number of talented players to the organization that should help them improve on their 7-9 record in 2019.
One player who has taken notice of all of the improvement Las Vegas made to its roster is star tight end Darren Waller, who is coming off a career season. Waller believes that the Raiders are building something special for the future and is excited for the move to Las Vegas, via Vic Tafur of The Athletic:
“I think we had another great draft class and we’re putting together something special on both sides of the ball,” he said. “We have a lot to offer Las Vegas, a lot of energy and we also want to do big things in the community.”
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the Raiders are limited to virtual offseason workouts and meetings, which is not ideal for a team with so many new players. Waller believes that they have been going well to this point though:
“It’s been pretty well organized, as far as the position meetings and getting a whole team meeting online,” Waller said. “It’s gone a lot smoother than I thought it would — I thought there would be a lot of connections dropping and a lot more difficulties.
“There is really good communication from the coaches to the players, so we know what we should be doing to be ready when the time comes.”
On the offensive side of the ball, the additions of playmakers like Henry Ruggs III, Bryan Edwards, Lynn Bowden, Nelson Agholor and Jason Witten should give the likes of Waller, Josh Jacobs, Hunter Renfrow, Tyrell Williams and Derek Carr more help in 2020.
Waller pointed out the Witten acquisition, in particular, as one he is excited about as he is eager to learn from one of the best tight ends to ever play.
If Waller can continue to build off his 2019 season, then he could emerge as one of the best tight ends in all of football on a much-improved Raiders offense in 2020.
