Raiders: 5 players who could make the Pro Bowl this season
By Justin Fried
2. Darren Waller, TE
There have been few more satisfying surprises in the NFL this year than tight end Darren Waller. A once-promising young wide receiver at Georgia Tech, Waller’s career was almost ended before it could really get started following multiple suspensions and injuries.
However, the 27-year-old was given a golden opportunity this season to take over for 2018 Pro Bowler Jared Cook as the Raiders’ top tight end. And he hasn’t disappointed.
Through nine games, Waller has amassed 588 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 51 catches — some of the most impressive numbers at the position.
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He currently ranks third among all tight ends in receiving yards and receptions and trails just Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs in those categories among AFC tight ends.
Simply put, if the season were to end today, he would be a lock for the Pro Bowl.
Waller has quickly become one of Carr’s most reliable options in the passing game and he’s’ arguably been the most productive player on Oakland’s offense — perhaps with the exception of the last player on our list.
Outside of Kelce, his only real competition comes from Baltimore’s Mark Andrews and possibly Hunter Henry of the Los Angeles Chargers. But even so, it’s hard to see Waller missing the Pro Bowl if he continues to play at this high level.
In what would be a true feel-good story of redemption, Waller could be heading to his first Pro Bowl in 2020.