5 best training camp battles for the Oakland Raiders in 2019

5 best training camp battles for Raiders in 2019

By Brad Weiss | Jul 19, 2019

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - NOVEMBER 10: Clemson Tigers wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during a game between the Boson College Eagles and the Clemson University Tigers on. November 10, 2018, at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 30: Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Steven Nelson (20) pushes Oakland Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) at the end of an 11-yard reception late in the second quarter of an NFL game between the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs on December 30, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Tight End

Over the past two seasons, it has been tight end Jared Cook who has led the Oakland Raiders in receiving yards. Cook, who signed on with the New Orleans Saints this offseason, will have to be replaced at the top of the depth chart this summer, and the Raiders have more than their fair share of players to take spot over the next couple of weeks.

The front-runner early on is Darren Waller, who came over to the Raiders during the 2018 NFL season, and showed the kind of physical ability you expect from a No. 1 tight end. However, he has struggled to stay on the field during his NFL career, which could open the door to the other options the Raiders have on their roster this summer.

Luke Willson was brought in via free agency this offseason, and he has experience starting at the NFL level. In addition, Derek Carrier played a role in the Raiders offense last season, and is a solid blocker, who can make a play or two within the offense from time to time.

Outside of those veteran, the Raiders spent a fourth round pick on LSU tight end Foster Moreau during the 2019 NFL Draft, and he is another guy who factors into this equation. Overall, the Raiders have a ton of talent to choose from at the position group, as both Erik Swoope and Paul Butler will be expected to compete as well in Napa.

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