Hunter Renfrow had a career year in 2021, leading the Raiders in receptions and yards. With Darren Waller missing time and Henry Ruggs released midseason, Renfrow suddenly was the top option for Derek Carr.
But entering the 2022 season, Renfrow has a lot more competition for targets. The team added Davante Adams and now Waller is back to full health. But is there a chance that Renfrow could be even better this season?
In a recent article by Dwain McFarland of Pro Football Focus, he wrote about Renfrow’s ceiling not only as a fantasy player but as an NFL player, as well. Here is what he had to say about the former slot receiver from Clemson:
“Hunter Renfrow technically finished as a WR1 last season but just missed the 263-point threshold in my process. A player many dismiss as a slot receiver who lucked his way into targets last season has actually been flashing breakout signals since his rookie season with a 76.5 PFF receiving grade, 23% TPRR and 2.09 YPRR.
He followed that up in Year 2 with another WR3 grade (75.0) before notching a WR2 fantasy finish last year. Davante Adams will demand looks along with Darren Waller, but Renfrow is a talented player who could see the field more than any time in his career with Josh McDaniels leading this offense.”
Slot receivers have historically done well in Josh McDaniels’ offense as Wes Welker and Julian Edleman have posted big numbers. There is also a good chance that due to the addition of Adams, Renfrow will see even more single-coverage from the slot.
It’s probably not likely that Renfrow will see more targets in 2022 than he did last season, but he could be far more efficient. Don’t be surprised if he has even more yards and touchdowns in 2022 as Renfrow is one of the league’s best slot receivers.