Raiders prioritizing size with their new tight end group
As the roster currently stands, an average Raiders tight end is 6-foot-4 and 254 pounds.
That's no coincidence. Tight ends coach Bobby Johnson said the team went hunting for "bigger humans" at that spot this offseason.
“Bigger humans tend to be more durable, more physical and that’s the image and that’s the style of play we’re going to have here," Johnson told the team's official website. "It’s kind of what fits the Raider image. We’re going to be a big, physical team."
Johnson should be pleased with the size on his depth chart now. The team signed 6-foot-6 blocker Lee Smith and drafted 6-foot-4 prospect Clive Walford.
Now, 6-foot-3 and 245-pound incumbent Mychal Rivera looks like the small tight end on the team. And he could look even smaller by comparison if two other Raiders -- offensive linemen Khalif Barnes and Donald Penn -- get their wish for more playing time at tight end near the goal line.
“I know that both Khalif and Donald have stopped short of offering monetary incentives, but they’ve been openly politicking to get the ball," Johnson said. "I’m aware of their skill sets."
Soon, the rest of the AFC West will be too. Oakland just got taller and stronger at tight end, and it'll be up to the Broncos, Chiefs, and Chargers to try and stop them.
-
Joel Klatt: Top 5 running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft
Bears did right by Justin Fields in trading him to Steelers
Dolphins, Bills had the same cap problem but totally different solutions
-
J.J. McCarthy's NFL Draft odds on the move; Giants jump up betting board
2024 NFL Draft QB rankings: Caleb Williams leads top 10 prospects
What can NFL Draft history of top-10 QB selections tell us about the 2024 class?
-
Bears trading Justin Fields to Steelers for conditional sixth-round pick
2024 NFL Mock Draft: How has early free agency shaken up needs around the league?
2024 NFL Draft order: Every pick for all seven rounds
-
Joel Klatt: Top 5 running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft
Bears did right by Justin Fields in trading him to Steelers
Dolphins, Bills had the same cap problem but totally different solutions
-
J.J. McCarthy's NFL Draft odds on the move; Giants jump up betting board
2024 NFL Draft QB rankings: Caleb Williams leads top 10 prospects
What can NFL Draft history of top-10 QB selections tell us about the 2024 class?
-
Bears trading Justin Fields to Steelers for conditional sixth-round pick
2024 NFL Mock Draft: How has early free agency shaken up needs around the league?
2024 NFL Draft order: Every pick for all seven rounds