Raiders: Derek Carr’s supporting cast ranked middle of the pack
By Justin Fried
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr’s supporting cast could be great in 2020.
The Las Vegas Raiders have done their best to remake their offense over the past few seasons. While the offensive line has remained mostly intact, the team’s skill positions have seen more of an overhaul.
But the hope is that after a couple of offseasons of significant additions that quarterback Derek Carr‘s supporting cast is the best it’s been in years.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently ranked every NFL quarterback’s supporting cast and Carr and the Raiders ranked a slightly-above-average 14th on the list.
That marked a two-spot improvement from last year’s list where they ranked 16th in the NFL. But while that ranking seems pretty good, it still ranks dead last out of all four teams in the AFC West.
Still, 14th is nothing to scoff at. And even Knox agreed that it has the potential to be much higher.
"“Jacobs and Waller are budding stars, and Ruggs has the potential to become the legitimate No. 1 receiver that Carr has lacked for much of his career. This group could soar if everything falls into place.”"
How does the Raiders’ offense look going into the 2020 season?
As Knox mentioned, the Raiders have a pair of budding stars in running back Josh Jacobs and tight end Darren Waller who are each coming off incredible 2019 seasons.
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Jacobs burst on to the scene as a rookie rushing for 1,150 yards and seven touchdowns on a pristine 4.8 yards per carry. And if not for an injury that held him out of three games, more people would likely be talking about him as one of the best backs in football.
Meanwhile, Waller was finally given the chance to shine in 2019 — and shine he did. The former wide receiver hauled in a whopping 90 receptions for 1,145 yards and three touchdowns leading the way for the Raiders’ passing attack.
Provided neither takes a step back in 2020, they represent an excellent duo to build around on offense. The team’s wide receivers, however, are a bit more of a question mark.
First-round pick Henry Ruggs undoubtedly has the potential to be a true No. 1 receiver in the NFL, but it remains to be seen how he will fare in his first professional season.
Meanwhile, Hunter Renfrow remains a reliable if not unspectacular option out of the slot and Tyrell Williams must show that he could stay healthy after an underwhelming first season with the organization.
The Raiders’ offense is volatile. If everything goes right, they could feasibly be a top-eight or so unit in the NFL. But if players regress and others fall short of expectations, the offense could slip back into the bottom-10 in the league.
Either is possible.
Next. Raiders: Ranking the top 4 quarterbacks in franchise history. dark
The Raiders’ offense has plenty of potential, but perhaps no unit remains more volatile going into 2020.