Raiders Offseason: Assessing The New Wide Receiver Room

Entering the offseason yet again, the wide receiver position was a position of need for the Las Vegas Raiders. In what seemed like a yearly tradition, the draft and free agency were both considered as possible avenues for obtaining the elusive number one receiver. Rest assured, that’s not an issue anymore. After some big moves this offseason, the Raiders wide receiver room has many new faces.

The current group is as follows: Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, Bryan Edwards, Demarcus Robinson, Mack Hollins, Dillon Stoner, Tyron Johnson, and DJ Turner.

Some Old, Familiar Faces

“Out with the old, in with the new.” That’s been a common theme for Las Vegas throughout this offseason. Except for these guys, and for good reason. One big-name player Raiders’ fans will be very excited to watch next year is Hunter Renfrow.

Hunter had nothing short of a breakout year in 2021, and he cemented his status as one of the top slot receivers in the NFL. Joining him will be Bryan Edwards as well. Edwards had a better year in 2021, totaling nearly 600 yards and three touchdowns, but some inconsistency was still there. In his third year with the Silver and Black, he’ll try to put it all together.

Finally, coming into training camp once again will be Dillon Stoner. Stoner was an undrafted free agent signed by Las Vegas last year, and he will return to training camp again this summer.

The Raiders have some new faces

Let’s start this list off with the name we’re all thinking about: Davante Adams. Adams is a bona-fide star and arguably the best receiver in the NFL. Last year, Adams had an astounding 1553 yards on 123 receptions, with 11 touchdowns also added to his name. As Adams revealed in his introductory press conference, it was his “lifelong dream” to be a Raider. The feeling is mutual, and the Raiders finally have their star receiver.

Another receiver joining the fold is Demarcus Robinson, coming from Kansas City. Robinson wasn’t a major factor in the Chiefs’ offense last year, either, with just 25 catches for 264 yards and three touchdowns. While he isn’t as proven as some other names on this list, he’s an athletic deep threat who should be a good weapon in Josh McDaniels’ offense.

Who else?

Some other new faces added this offseason are Mack Hollins, Tyron Johnson, and DJ Turner. Hollins, the most notable of the three, had a very similar year to Robinson last year. Mack is a very versatile and athletic player, one who might have some sneaky good plays for the Raiders next year. Johnson and Turner will both serve as depth pieces, and they’ll be fighting for a roster spot come training camp.

Looking at the whole of this group, it looks very good on paper and should translate well on the field as well. The #1 receiver on the roster is widely considered the best in the league, and at slot, Las Vegas has a dynamic, 1,000-yard guy in Hunter Renfrow. In his sophomore season, Edwards had a better showing. His sheer talent alone makes him a threat across from Adams. It will be very interesting to see how he’s utilized in a completely new offense.

Hollins and Robinson are some very talented depth players as well. If there’s anything McDaniels loves to do, it’s using his gadget pieces. These two guys will both see their fair share of targets while being used in some unconventional ways. The Raiders’ wide receiver room as a whole should excite Raider Nation.