Raiders are unlikely to pick a kicker or punter
To get a better look at the Raiders’ roster and their NFL Draft needs, we’re taking a daily look at position groups. Today’s offering: Specialists.
WiO’S icRc >> PK Daniel Carlson, P A.J. Cole, LS Trent Sieg, PK Dominik Eberle, LS Liam McCullough
2020 OUTLOO >> In 2000, owner Al Davis took Sebastian Janikowski in the first round and Shane Lechler in the fifth, setting the course for the Raiders’ special teams for the next dozen years.
Lechler left following the 2012 season in free agency, with Janikowski kicking for another four seasons before spending 2017 on injured reserve and then landing in Seattle to finish his career the next season.
Coincidentally, the Raiders own the No. 17 overall pick — the same slot Janikowski was selected. But there isn’t a placekicker anyone deems worthy of a pick that early,
and even if there was Davis isn’t around to be the guy to pull the trigger.
Daniel Carlson scored 144 points last season, tying for the NFL lead in scoring and breaking Janikowski’s team record of 142 set in 2010.
Carlson was 4-for-4 from 50 yards and beyond and was 33 of 35 overall, his only two misses coming from between 40 and 49. That his scoring record was built largely on 18 tooclose field goals made in 18 attempts (between 20 and 29 yards) is not his fault.
Ideally, Carlson will expand on the long attempts and get fewer point-blank shots as the Raiders score more touchdowns. He was retained as an exclusive rights free agent at a cost of just under $3.4 million.
Cole beat out Johnny Townsend in 2019 and has been a solid, all-weather punter. The Raiders moved the ball well enough on offense that Cole punted only 44 times — down 23 from 2019. He had 20 punts downed inside the 20-yard line. He forced 20 fair catches and 14 returns gained 133 yards.
Sieg has the most important quality you’d want in a long-snapper. He’s anonymous,
his name rarely ever mentioned.
The Raiders widely kept Dominik Eberle on the practice squad roster — protecting him most weeks from being claimed — as a “break glass in case of emergency” kicker were something to happen with Carlson or he went into a slump.
Liam McCullough is around for insurance in case something happens to Sieg.
DRAFT EXPECTATIONS >> Other than drafting a receiver or a defensive back to compete on kickoff and
if
punt returns, there’s nothing to see here. And Hunter Renfrow is a still-developing punt return specialist who surprised himself with the knack he has for the job. QUOTE TO NOTE >> “He’s my favorite player. Long-range field goals, different climates, wet ball, high snap, low snap, on the road, cold weather, he has done it all for us.” — Raiders coach Jon Gruden on Carlson in 2018
LOCAL OPTION >>
Toner (Stanford)
PRIORITY SCALE (1 TO 10) >> 10 (least)
PK
Jet