2) Is Darren Waller the best tight end in football? Move over, George Kittle and Travis Kelce -- the competition for the TE1 spot is now a three-man race, with Waller closing fast. If you're not familiar with the Raiders' tight end, you're missing out on a fantasy football god with a game that keeps defensive coordinators up at night.
The former Georgia Tech receiver-turned-tight end has become the ultimate mismatch player for the Raiders with the speed and athleticism of a wideout in a basketball player's body. Measuring 6-foot-6, 255 pounds with long arms and strong hands, Waller combines ballerina-like movement skills with post-up ability in traffic. He is a superb route runner with enough wiggle to separate from linebackers and safeties on seam routes, crossers and option routes.
Waller is a five-star route runner with hard-to-guard ability, but he is at his best with the rock in his hands after the catch. Possessing the most yards after catch (91) among tight ends this season, he is a dynamic runner with the speed, balance and body control to turn short passes into big gains in the open field.
In 2019, Waller flashed big-play potential during a 1,100-yard campaign that showcased a surprisingly polished game for a converted wide receiver, and the fifth-year pro has taken his game up a notch during his third campaign under Jon Gruden.
"Darren's a great player, our job is to try and get him the ball," Gruden said, via the San Jose Mercury News. "I'd take him over any tight end. I know Kittle and Kelce are as good as they get, but Waller is right up there with them. This is his second year playing the position. It's astonishing what this man can do."
Against the Saints, Waller displayed his progress in a 12-catch, 105-yard effort that included a touchdown reception. He accounted for eight first downs as the Raiders' designated chain mover in the passing game and showed improved skills as a blocker. Waller's prime-time performance caught the attention of defensive coaches around the league, including a six-time Super Bowl winner slated to face the spectacular tight end in Week 3.
"He's a big challenge. Really impressed by everything he does," Bill Belichick said during a media conference call on Tuesday. "He's a very competitive blocker, got great size, got great quickness for his size, catches the ball very well. You know, he can really, he can run all the routes. Is really a very versatile player, talented, that shows good toughness and very competitive guy. So, yeah, he'll definitely be a problem for us."
Waller's combination of size, athleticism and skill will continue to give opponents problems as he makes his case to be considered the ultimate TE1 in today's game.