Oakland Raiders: Taiwan Jones release creates pathway for rookies
The Oakland Raiders released special teams ace Taiwan Jones. What does that mean for developing players attempting to lock up a roster spot in September?
Oakland Raiders running back Elijah Hood made a name for himself at North Carolina as a physical ball-carrier able to go downhill between the tackles. However, with a crowded backfield, he’ll likely need to earn a spot on special teams to make the 53-man roster.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Raiders released core special teams contributor Taiwan Jones on Thursday:
RB Taiwan Jones getting released from Raiders, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 27, 2017
Jones spent six seasons with the team mostly as a running back and kick coverage ace. It’s slightly surprising to see the front office release him due to the losses for the special teams unit during the offseason. The Raiders lost safety Brynden Trawick, linebacker Daren Bates, wide receiver Andre Holmes and safety Nate Allen during free agency.
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Now, Oakland has lost five of its top seven special teams contributors in snap count from the previous season. It’s a grand opportunity for rookies to claim a spot on the active roster, specifically Hood who can work toward earning some carries at running back.
Hood isn’t the only player with a wider pathway to the final roster in September. Though overlooked, the wide receiver battle for the No. 5 spot brings some intrigue.
Last year, Johnny Holton claimed the spot and took the field for kick coverage on 28 percent of his snaps. Whether he earns space in the lineup or someone else like Jaydon Mickens unseats him, the winner in the wide receiver battle will play a significant part in kick coverage.
Rookie safety Shalom Luani’s coverage skills may help him claim a roster space at safety in a niche role shadowing tight ends. Nonetheless, an impressive showing on special teams would probably secure an active spot in September.
The Raiders only allowed one special teams touchdown to Tyreek Hill on a 78-yard punt return in Week 14. In the upcoming season, second-year players will probably take on bigger roles in kick coverage to compensate for the departures. The linebackers who don’t start certainly qualify as core contributors as well.
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Jones’ release also helps safety Keith McGill stick around due to his expanded role on kick coverage in the previous season. He ranks second in special teams snaps among the roster holdovers behind fullback Jamize Olawale. Going into a contract year, the 2014 fourth-round pick could lead a relatively new unit.