Oakland Raiders: 3 players poised to break out in 2019

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GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 18: Gareon Conley #21 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates an interception with Maurice Hurst #73 in the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. Oakland Raiders (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

The Oakland Raiders are less than two months away from kicking off their 2019 season. Let’s take a look at three players who should be considered breakout candidates this year.

The Oakland Raiders‘ 2019 season is fast approaching and it’s hard to believe that we’re less than two months away from Week 1. And with training camp set to kick-off and the preseason soon to follow, all eyes are on the Raiders to improve upon their 2018 campaign.

Fortunately, that shouldn’t be too difficult.

Oakland struggled to a 4-12 record last season and it’s safe to say that expectations are undoubtedly higher for the team going into this season. In fact, many fans are even hoping for a return to the postseason.

For that to happen, however, there are a number of players who must step up and outperform what they’ve done in the past. Luckily, the Raiders have a few young players who are just clamoring for the opportunity to truly break out.

The following is a list of three Raiders players who are best set up for a breakout 2019 campaign. Side note, a couple of honorable mentions go out to both P.J. Hall and Kolton Miller who each narrowly missed this list for completely different reasons.

Hall could struggle to find playing time in a loaded defensive interior while we’re not completely sold on Miller’s production.

Regardless, let’s take a look at the three players who did make the list.

CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 16: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Oakland Raiders (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

3. Darren Waller — TE

The Raiders have been extremely proficient at using their tight ends over the last two seasons. Veteran Jared Cook found a nice role as quarterback Derek Carr‘s safety blanket putting together arguably the two best statistical seasons of his career.

Unfortunately, Cook is now gone and the Raiders didn’t exactly make a splash move to replace him.

Veteran Luke Willson was signed in free agency, journeyman Derek Carrier will return, and the team drafted rookie Foster Moreau in the fourth round. But the current name atop the depth chart is none other than Darren Waller.