Jared Cook was one of the most important players on the Oakland Raiders offense last year, and when Derek Carr needed someone to make a catch, he usually looked his way. With Cook moving onto the New Orleans Saints earlier this season the Raiders need someone to step up, and offensive coordinator Greg Olson thinks that guy can be Darren Waller.

Waller hasn't gotten a ton of opportunities since coming into the league, and last year he finished with only six catches for 75 yards and zero touchdowns. Olson thinks that he was a bit buried by Cook, but now that he is getting a chance, he will step up.

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Oh yeah, there’s no doubt. I think really as good a player as Jared Cook is and was for us, I just think this will really allow him… Would it stunt his growth if Jared was here? Possibly. So now that he has that position, it’s your position, you are the ‘Y’ in certain personnel groupings. We’re going to put you out there on the field and you’re going to play. You’re going to get better from playing. You’re not going to wait and sit behind Jared Cook and have to wait your turn, you have to go now. We’re really pushing him to the limit right now,” said Olson via Silver and Black Pride.

These comments line right up with coach Jon Gruden who said last week that Waller was one of the best-kept secrets in the league. There is still a ways to go before proving it in the field, but the work so far seems to be heading in the right direction of being a standout tight end.