Raiders notebook: Why Hunter Renfrow and Maxx Crosby are excited for future
From running back and offensive rookie of the year candidate Josh Jacobs to defensive end and defensive rookie of the year candidate Maxx Crosby, the Oakland-soon-to-be-Las Vegas Raiders have something to look forward to.
They got it this season in the form of defensive end Clelin Ferrell to tight end Foster Moreau, cornerback Trayvon Mullen and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow. And don’t forget undrafted free agent fullback Alec Ingold.
All contributed in their own way.
Oh and safety Johnathan Abram missed his entire rookie season after suffering an injury against the Broncos in Week 1.
The 2020 season can’t come soon enough after a 16-15 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday to end 2019 at 7-9.
“We have a bunch of young guys that are talented,” Renfrow said. “I think they’re made of the right stuff. Maxx broke his hand this year. Josh played through injuries. Everyone’s played through injuries and everyone has just wanted to win. Moving forward I think that’s what you have to have — that grit and determination to be a good team. I’m excited about who we have and the veterans to carry us along.”
Renfrow had six receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown Sunday to end the season with 49 receptions for 605 yards.
Crosby had five tackles and 1.5 sacks to finish with 10 sacks, second-most by a rookie in franchise history.
He’s encouraged about the future, as well.
“I feel like we are off to a good start, but we have a ton of room to grow,” he said. “We have a bunch of guys who love football and we are trying to grow. It didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to, but we are working for it.”
Said Renfrow: “I’m excited about having an offseason to go get better and be able to do that and hopefully make the playoffs next year.”
2020 opponents set
The Raiders’ opponents have been set and they’ll welcome eight teams to their new home in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium.
They are: Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, New Orlenas Saints and Tampa Bay Buccanneers.
The Raiders will hit the road for the usual eight games.
Those opponents are: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots and New York Jets.
It is unclear if the Raiders will play in an International game as they have the past two seasons.
2020 draft picks set, too
The Raiders knew they would have two picks in the first round of the 85th NFL Draft.
It just wasn’t clear where they would pick. Now it’s finalized at the conclusion of Sunday’s game.
The Raiders will pick at No. 12 and No. 19 in the first round.
The draft will take place in Las Vegas on April 23-25.
