Gruden Says 2017 Second-Round Pick (Buffalo) is Raiders Most Improved Offensive Player

The most improved offensive player on the Raiders roster is one that most thought had little chance of making the roster this year.

Zay Jones caught only 20 passes last year from Derek Carr and averaged a minuscule 7.4 yards per reception. But this year, Raiders HC Jon Gruden says Jones has taken his game to another level.

“Zay Jones is probably the most improved player on the offense,” Gruden told reporters this week. “He’s really done a great job getting himself quicker. Getting himself in premier shape. He’s fast. His stamina is really something unmarked. This guy can run all day. He’s playing a lot more confident, so Zay has a lot of versatility.”

Even prior to Tyrell Williams hurting his shoulder, Jones had a good chance of making the roster. Now he figures to have a significant role in the offense. Carr has been working out with Jones in Las Vegas since the beginning of the offseason and the former second-round pick has earned the confidence of the Raiders coaching staff.

The Raiders will make their final roster cuts on Saturday (8/5) and it will be interesting to see if they keep only five receivers or decide to keep a sixth receiver (most likely Rico Gafford). Given that it’s Gruden and we’re talking about wide receivers, expect him to be more willing to error on the side of too many on the roster.

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1 thought on “Gruden Says 2017 Second-Round Pick (Buffalo) is Raiders Most Improved Offensive Player

  1. I think Josh Jacobs really should have won ROTY honors last year. He was the best rookie on the field by far… Looked like an all pro veteran. But he’ll shine and make the pro bowl this year and put all the doubters to bed. “GO RAIDERS”

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