Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow proved to be quite the pickup down the stretch of a tumultuous 2019 campaign.
Not much was initially expected of the former fifth-rounder as he struggled to make his presence felt as a rookie. Fortunately, he eventually managed to earn the trust of quarterback Derek Carr and wound up finishing the season with 49 receptions for 605 yards and four touchdowns while in the good graces of head coach Jon Gruden.
Las Vegas has since made efforts to revamp the receiving corps this offseason with the addition of Henry Ruggs, Nelson Agholor, and Bryan Edwards. Regardless, Renfrow is expected to build on his role in the offense.
According to Adam Hill Las Vegas Review-Journal the 24-year-old admits there were some growing pains early on:
“I really didn’t have many expectations,” he said. “I just wanted to be the best version of myself, but through the first half of the season, it was bad. I was just worried about lining up right and knowing what to do. I didn’t even think about how to get it done. As the season progressed, I got more comfortable and kind of figured out I had to do it my way.”
Renfrow added that he is hoping his ritual of new additions to the family will pay off with a trip to the Super Bowl:
“I got a dog right after we won the national championship at Clemson,” he said. “Now we’re getting a kid right after, hopefully, the Super Bowl this year. We just couldn’t be more excited and thankful.”
There is certainly plenty of truth to Renfrow’s comments considering he averaged a mere averaged 2.4 catches for 20.2 yards over his first five career games. Although his emergence was hindered by a rib injury, he ended the year on a high note with 13 receptions for 209 yards and two touchdowns over the final two games of his return.
Renfrow’s approach is indicative of the newfound high expectations the Raiders have ushered in with their relocation this offseason. Fortunately, he appears to be embracing the prospect of doing his part to make it come to fruition.
There is certainly no shortage of talented pass-catchers on the Raiders’ roster between Renfrow, Ruggs, and Tyrell Williams. The arrival veteran tight end Jason Witten also gives this group another boost alongside Darren Waller.
