Kick Returner/Punt Returner
It’s been a long time since the Raiders had a consistent, productive presence at either kick or punt returner. To give you an idea of how long it’s been, the last kick returned for a touchdown was by Jacoby Ford in Week 6 of the 2011 season, a win against the Cleveland Browns. The last punt returned for a touchdown was by Johnnie Lee Higgins in Week 16 of the 2008 season, in a win against the Houston Texans.
Also, did you notice that in each of the last two instances, the Raiders won the game? I’m not trying to say “Kick/Punt Return wins” is a thing…but, I’m also not saying that it isn’t.
Since the Johnnie Lee Higgins and Jacoby Ford eras, it’s been a revolving door of various names. Last season alone, Oakland used Taiwan Jones, Jeremy Ross, T.J. Carrie, Amari Cooper, Seth Roberts, and Marcus Thigpen. Going back even further, the list of options the Raiders have tried gets longer and longer.
So who will get the call in 2016? Taiwan Jones was decent as a kick returner in 2015, but ball security concerns still exist, and he isn’t a lock for the 53-man roster. No one stood out as a punt returner last year.
One option could be 5th-round draft pick DeAndre Washington. He has very limited experience (seven returned punts during his freshman season) but it could be an interesting way to utilize his talents.
UDFA’s Joe Hansley and Antonio Hamilton were given a shot on punt returns during the first week of OTA’s, but they are both certainly longshots to make the roster. Although Hamilton excelled as a punt and kick returner at South Carolina State, so I’d keep an eye on him.
Another UDFA to watch is Marvin Hall, WR from Washington. The Raiders recently signed him to a deal, and he was the return man for the Huskies.
On a final note, a player could be brought in specifically for this role, especially if someone notable gets released from another team. Say, someone like Cordarrelle Patterson. He’s certainly underwhelmed as a wide receiver, but he’s a phenomenal athlete and is always a threat to score once the ball is in his hands.
Whatever happens, whoever gets the job, the Raiders desperately need to find a way to get production in these roles. As a team expected to be competitive in 2016, this is another way for the team to find a competitive edge.
Next: Raiders Camp Battle #4