Buffalo Bills: What does Taiwan Jones add to roster?
By Brenden Deeg
The Buffalo Bills brought in running back Taiwan Jones to compete in training camp. What can Taiwan Jones contribute to this roster?
On Aug. 2, the Buffalo Bills decided to add a playmaker to their roster with the signing of running back Taiwan Jones. Jones was recently released by the Oakland Raiders on July 28. He was a fourth-round pick by the Raiders back in 2011, and has been in Oakland since.
The 29-year old out of Eastern Washington has had a unique football career. Originally he was recruited as a cornerback. He switched to running back during his sophomore season and rushed for over 1,200 yards for EWU. He quickly become a sensation around college football. Not surprisingly, he declared for the draft after his junior year.
After failing to establish himself as a running back in his first two seasons, Jones was switched to corner before the 2013 season. When new head coach Jack Del Rio was brought in for the 2015 season, he decided to move Jones back to running back.
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Jones has struggled to establish himself as a running back in the NFL still, as he only has 183 total yards on the ground in his career, and had one carry for an eight-yard loss in 2016. It was clear his role with the organization was diminishing, and it was a matter of time before Oakland moved on from the 29-year old.
One thing Jones brings to the Bills is competition in the return game. Jones has been active in the return game for the Raiders during the past four seasons. He has the explosiveness to be a game changer in the return game for the Bills. Jones will have to battle with receiver Brandon Tate for kick return reps.
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In general, this is a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Bills. If Jones can come in and take the starting kick return job for the Bills, this could become an under the radar signing. In essence, though, any sort of contribution from Jones can be viewed as a win for the Bills.