How the Raiders Can Address the Tight End Position
Now that the Las Vegas Raiders have traded star tight end Darren Waller, they have big shoes to fill in his position.
Replacing Waller will likely be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. There are many good tight-end prospects in this year’s NFL Draft, and some good names are still on the free-agent market.
One of their tight ends is also still on the free agent market in Foster Moreau, who had solid production in a reserve role and could see that production increase if brought back to be the starting tight end.
The Raiders had success in the past with a top-tier pass-catching tight end in Waller. Some of the best offenses in football have them, and they can cause defensive coordinators nightmares trying to gameplan for them.
While they might not find another tight end who can put up star numbers right away, a couple of tight ends in this draft class could come in and produce quickly. The Raiders could look into the second round at a player like Luke Musgrave from Oregon State or Dalton Kincaid from Utah.
In free agency, a player like Dalton Schultz makes sense. Schultz has posted 198 catches, 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns in the last three seasons. Another name that could be a good fit is two-time Pro Bowler Austin Hooper.
While the production Waller put up won’t easily be replaced, the Raiders still have a couple of different directions they can go to ensure it isn’t a significant loss.
The NFL Draft will occur at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo., from Thursday, April 27 to Saturday, April 29. ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network will broadcast all seven rounds.
The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period begins at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15. The Raiders are expected to be significant players in the free-agent market this season.
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