Oakland Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 8 loss to Houston Texans

Stock Up: Hunter Renfrow, Andre James, A.J. Cole

Hunter Renfrow had a career day in what will hopefully be looked at as a breakout game for the rookie from Clemson. Renfrow finished the game with four receptions for 88 yards, as well as his first career touchdown on a 65-yarder in the first quarter.

Renfrow isn’t known for his after the catch ability, but he broke two tackles on the play and showed he is plenty fast enough to break away from defenders in the open field.

This play is a great sign for the rookie as the need to gain strength is one of the keys to his development and it seems earlier in the season he would brace himself for contact before hauling in the ball, almost as if he was not yet ready for the size and speed of the NFL.

Well, he looks a lot more comfortable out there now and with an overall weak receiving corps, Renfrow will have tons of opportunities to build on this performance and become the slot receiver he was drafted to be.

The Raiders suffered a huge loss early in the game as center Rodney Hudson went out with an ankle injury. Undrafted free agent from UCLA Andre James filled in for the former All-Pro, and the offensive line did not miss a beat.

This was the first time James has seen real NFL action so to come in and play well at center which is the quarterback of the offensive line is impressive, especially when you consider he came into the league as an offensive tackle.

Tom Cable deserves a lot of credit, as whatever backup offensive lineman has had to step up has done so admirably so far this season.

A.J. Cole continues to play well, punting six times for an average of 48.7, with three being downed inside the 20-yard line. None of the three punts downed within the 20 were downed within the 10, but overall his play has been solid this season.