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Oakland Raiders: Ryan Switzer getting noticed

By Randy Gurzi

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 30: Ryan Switzer #10 of the Dallas Cowboys evades tackle by Tress Way #5 of the Washington Redskins and Chris Carter #55 of the Washington Redskins on an 83-yard punt return touchdown run in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 30: Ryan Switzer #10 of the Dallas Cowboys evades tackle by Tress Way #5 of the Washington Redskins and Chris Carter #55 of the Washington Redskins on an 83-yard punt return touchdown run in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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The Oakland Raiders made a move during the draft to pick up Ryan Switzer and the second -ear receiver and return man is getting noticed already

In an unexpected move during the 2018 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders picked up receiver and return man Ryan Switzer from the Dallas Cowboys. In exchange for the second-year player, Oakland gave up defensive tackle Jihad Ward.

So far, it seems like the team is happy with their move. During offseason programs Switzer gave the team some extended looks and even reportedly worked with the first team.

Head coach Jon Gruden spoke highly of the North Carolina product after seeing him in action according to Scott Bair of NBC Sports:

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"“Ryan Switzer has really caught my eye. Switzer has come in here and not only been a punt returner, kick returner, he’s come in and been a force as a slot receiver. He’s really done well.” — Gruden said via Scott Bair of NBC Sports"

Switzer has a lot of potential and likely will win the return job for the Raiders. What’s interesting though is how Gruden is praising his ability as a slot receiver.

In Dallas, the same praises were being placed on him this time last year, but they inexplicably never utilized Switzer in that role until a meaningless Week 17 game. He did play well in that contest, showing precise route running and soft hands, but then Dallas decided to move on.

Perhaps for them they felt their receiving room was too crowded and their interior defenders were too scarce. Or maybe they just didn’t like what they ended up seeing out of Switzer the more looks they got.

Either way, Gruden seems to be perfectly fine with how things turned out. Ward hardly saw the field in 2017 and probably wouldn’t have made the team this year.

Next: Landing spot for supplemental draft prospects

Switzer, at worst, will be an explosive return man, and at best could become a threat as a slot receiver in the passing game.

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