Oakland Raiders: Top-5 disappointing players of 2018

MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 23: Jordy Nelson #82 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with Martavis Bryant #12 after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

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OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Johnny Townsend #5 of the Oakland Raiders runs a fake punt against the Los Angeles Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Johnny Townsend

After having so many years of great punting from Shane Lechler to Marquette King, it was rough to watch the play of rookie Johnny Townsend. He was in the bottom five regarding net average on his punts at just 38.3 yards.

Coming out of Florida, distance was an issue, but I am not sure anyone thought he would be this inconsistent for a majority of the season. He is a rookie, and punted well enough in college to be a draft pick, so this is likely not going to be a one-and-done situation for Townsend in Oakland.

There isn’t a lot to really analyze with Townsend. When a team takes a punter at any point in the draft, you expect him to be the least of your worries and Townsend was not in 2018. Punting has been a strength for Oakland, and you have to think Townsend will improve in year two.

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