Hunter Renfrow 2022 Outlook: Added Target Competition Could Suppress Target Share
3 years agoHunter Renfrow experienced a Year Three breakout in 2021, catching 103 passes for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns. He averaged 15.2 PPR points per game, finishing the season as WR16 on a per-game basis. He did that by capitalizing on his increased opportunities. His target share went from 16.3% in 2019 and 2020 to 21.7% in 2021. His targets per route run increased from 24.2% to 25.7%. and his red zone targets increased from 0.7 per game his first two seasons to 1.4 per game last season. But was his production a product of Darren Waller missing seven games? The stats say yes, as Renfrow was targeted eight or more times in five of those games and went over 100 yards three times. Not only does Renfrow begin the 2022 season with a healthy Waller, but he now must fend off arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL in Davante Adams. Last season, Adams was second amongst all receivers in both targets (169) and target share (31.6%) and led the league in targets per route run (35.3%). Inevitably, his and Waller's presence will take opportunities away from Renfrow. However, rumor has it that no other offensive coordinator has targeted a slot receiver more than new Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels. Remember Julian Edelman and Wes Welker from his New England days? Expecting him to finish as a mid-range WR2 is probably ambitious, but don't sleep on Renfrow as a WR3 in PPR formats this season.