The Las Vegas Raiders’ receiving corps has quickly become one of the most impressive in the league. The trio of Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, and Darren Waller make up a dynamite trio, but the talent doesn’t end there. Foster Moreau may be staring down a breakout season with a new coach, a new system, and new teammates.
Looking at Foster Moreau’s stats and resume
Moreau was picked in the fourth round of the 2019 draft by the Raiders. With Waller’s play on the rise, it was clear the Silver and Black were looking for their next reliable TE2. Moreau quickly showed he was going to be a solid blocking tight end. Add in the ability to make contested catches when needed. Unfortunately, his rookie season was cut short when he tore his ACL.
In his sophomore season, Moreau sat behind both Darren Waller and Jason Witten. While he was able to learn from two of the best, it was a slow season for Moreau. He racked up just 140 receiving yards, per Pro Football Reference. Many of his snaps went to Witten, which allowed him time to fully heal from his ACL tear.
Year three gave Moreau the opportunity to shine that he had been hoping for. He started eleven games for the Raiders, catching a career-high 30 passes. His impact was most noticeable against the Philadelphia Eagles when Waller was unable to start for the first time that season. Moreau came ready to make a difference, catching 100% of his targets for 60 yards and a touchdown. Much of the remainder of the 2021 season belonged to Moreau as Waller was recovering from an injury. He ended the year with 373 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
I’m told Josh McDaniels laid out an extensive/aggressive offensive system that he believes Derek Carr can execute — focused on continued use of play-action and much more two TE sets w/both Darren Waller and Foster Moreau. Would be surprised if McDaniels isn’t #Raiders next HC. https://t.co/VixrJGCXA1
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 30, 2022
Why will this year be different for the Raiders tight end?
After a long search for the perfect coach, Mark Davis landed on the one that loves tight ends more than any other. Josh McDaniels has historically run a lot of two tight-end sets. In fact, it is rumored that in his interview he expressed his plan to run an abundance of double tight-end sets. Perhaps it was one of his biggest selling points.
McDaniels’ success running two tight end sets stretches as far back as the early 2010’s when he took down the NFL at the hands of Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. His dominance continued through the 2021 season with Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith.
If McDaniels’ past is any indication of how this season will go, Moreau is in for the season of his life. Quarterback Derek Carr has been one of the most outspoken about how much potential Moreau has, and now he will have the opportunity to help him prove it.
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*Top Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
