Oakland Raiders: 5 Of The Team’s Biggest X-Factors In 2015

Nov 22, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Andre Debose (4) runs back a punt return as Eastern Kentucky Colonels defensive back Kobie Grace (38) defends during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Andre Debose

When Oakland spent a seventh round pick on the former Florida receiver/kick returner, a lot of people were left scratching their heads. Many believed it was a burned pick by a team that can’t afford to burn picks. Debose had a less than noteworthy career as a receiver at Florida, and given the sudden depth the Raiders find they have at the position, Debose’s chances of making the roster seemed pretty slim.

It did seem like a curious pick, but now we are beginning to understand why Debose was selected in the first place.

With a kick return average of just over 20 yards, the Raiders’ special teams unit ranked 23rd in the league. With a return average of just a tick above 7 yards, Oakland’s punt return game didn’t fare much better.

It’s becoming more widely believed that Debose will in fact, make the Raiders’ 53-man roster as the kick and punt return specialist. He’s been turning a lot of heads in camp so far this season with his speed and elusivenesss.

That Debose is showing great burst and seems to be the favorite to land the kicking and punting return jobs is good news for the Raiders. Having a designated return man will help the Raiders’ defense by keeping Travis Carrie on the corner, rather than shagging punts.

Also, having a designated return man with Debose’s speed and elusiveness will provide the Raiders with a weapon in the special teams department – much in the way the Bears and the Falcons used Devin Hester to devastating effect.

Having a weapon like Debose on special teams will pay dividense for the Raiders in a number of different ways. And he can most definitely be one of the Raiders’ biggest X-Factors because of it.

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