Oakland Raiders: 4 players who must be better in 2019

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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

The Raiders rookies played a big role on the team last season, as the coaching staff threw them into the fire to see what kind of players they had. One rookie who had the starting job from the start was punter Johnny Townsend, who was tasked with replacing a Pro Bowler in Marquette King.

After leading the NCAA in punting average, Townsend was installed as the starting punter in Week 1, and to say he had a rough rookie year would be an understatement. Townsend never found his groove during the entire season, and this is a position group where they should be some competition this summer.

Oakland has already brought in A.J. Cole to battle with Townsend this offseason, and some believe that the team may kick the tires on King. However, if Townsend is the punter for the 2019 NFL season, he has to be better, or else this team is going to seriously struggle with field position once again.

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