Sir Alex is not happy with the draft grade I gave his Raiders. I decided to return the favor by writing a post that will make him very happy. Did the Raiders lose faith in Hunter Renfrow? After Drafting 3 wide receivers with their first 4 picks, it’s fair to wonder how much confidence Vegas has in Renfrow.
It’s not a secret the Raiders needed wide receiver help. However, did they really need 3 of them? Henry Ruggs comes in to fill the void Antonio Brown was supposed to fill. That should give them a trio of Ruggs, Renfrow, and Tyrell Williams. What’s wrong with that? NOPE. Vegas also added Lynn Bowden Jr and Bryan Edwards. Do the Raiders really view Renfrow as a valuable piece?
The former Clemson wide receiver was actually productive as a rookie. 49 receptions, 605 yards, and 4 touchdowns as a rookie. His route running has translated and contributed right away as a 5th round pick. Renfrow was a bright spot as a rookie. His starting spot may have vanished after the 2020 NFL Draft.
Lynn Bowden reminds me a lot of Randall Cobb. He could easily play the slot or even running back. Maybe Bowden is just a gadget guy. Either way, it’s taking snaps away from Renfrow. The real competition will be Bryan Edwards.
The Raiders didn’t draft Edwards in the third round to not play. Something has to give. Edwards is a talented prospect coming out of South Carolina. He has good size and beat up CJ Henderson last year.
The Raiders cult hero might not be such a cult hero after all. In terms of fantasy, can you really count on Renfrow with the new wide receiver additions? That’s not even including the tight ends. Gruden loves his tight ends and uses 3 at a time often. Maybe it’s just some competition. Maybe the Raiders think Hunter Renfrow is overhyped.
