Las Vegas Raiders: Top-25 players of the Derek Carr Era
By Brad Weiss
Las Vegas Raiders: Top-25 players of the Derek Carr Era
No. 15: AJ Cole, P (2019-present)
We kick off our top-15 with a punter, no pun intended, as AJ Cole has been an outstanding player for the Raiders since being brought in as an undrafted free agent in 2019. That year, Cole had to prove his worth, but when in the end, he beat out incumbent punter Johnny Townsend, making the roster for the 2019 NFL season.
As a rookie, Cole showed he definitely belonged, and since then, he has quickly become one of the best punters in the NFL. He has punted in all 50 possible games since coming into the league, and across the last two seasons, has been a Pro Bowl both times, including replacing Townsend’s brother, Tommy, in this year’s event.
In 2021 Cole was also named a first-team All-Pro, as he led the NFL with a punting average of 50 yards. The Raiders franchise has had some all-time greats at the position in the past, including Ray Guy and Shane Lechler, and before all is said and done, Cole could etch his name right up there with the best of them to ever do it for the Silver and Black.