Oakland Raiders: Revisiting the 2018 NFL Draft class

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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) /

Townsend’s struggles

Prior to the 2018 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders made a pretty surprising move, as they released Pro Bowl punter Marquette King. During his time with the Raiders, King established himself as one of the better punters in the league, but it was clear that his personality was not going to mesh with the new regime with Gruden at the head.

With King gone, the Raiders utilized one of their two fifth round picks on the position, bringing in Johnny Townsend from the University of Florida. Townsend had a stellar career with the Gators, leading the FBS in punting average, and it was expected that he could be an asset on this team, even as a rookie.

However, Townsend really struggled in his first season in the NFL, and will have to work hard to retain his spot as the starting punter in 2019. The Raiders have already brought in A.J. Cole to battle with Townsend this summer, and if he shows signs of struggling during the preseason, Gruden and company will not hesitate to make a move at the position.

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