The biggest reason why Jack Jones is a member of the Las Vegas Raiders is familiarity.
When the New England Patriots decided to cut ties with the talented 2022 fourth-round pick during last season, it was obvious the Raiders would likely put in a waiver claim on Jones. He played for then Raiders’ interim coach Antonio Pierce at Arizona State and at high school at Long Beach Poly.
It was destined to happen.
Now, heading into his first full season with the Raiders’, Jones has another familiar face on the coaching staff. New assistant head coach Marvin Lewis, who was a consultant to end with the Raiders to end last season, was at Arizona State with Pierce and Jones as well.
Lewis knows Jones’ well. He has had some issues during his college and pro days. But Lewis said keeping on Jones is something he is comfortable doing.
“We want to have some consistency of things and we’re trying to iron Jackie [Jack Jones] out a little bit all the time,” Lewis said at a recent OTA session. “He’s a very talented player, and I’ve had the pleasure as I told him again, ‘Jack, it’s been five years now. Let’s move on, let’s get this moved to step B. We’re still on step A.’ But yes, he’s a very talented young man. He has a knack for making football plays, and he just has that about him. And I think it’s just still in the process of learning to be a pro day in and day out, and I think that’s important. But his teammates know what they’re going to get out there on the field, and we’ve just got to make sure we keep all those things positive all the time. I mean, I remember the end of the season he made just a great play in the Denver game where he came across and tipped the ball in the end zone and the next play he didn’t move. And that’s the thing, that’s the toughest position on the field. I mean, you’ve got to cover a guy that you can’t touch. He knows where he’s going, and you can’t touch him. Other than that, it’s easy.”
Jones feels blessed to be with Pierce and Lewis and he knows Lewis’ words ring true. He knows he always has to be on his game.
“There’s repercussions. Let’s get that clear, there’s repercussions, but it took a little while, I mean those are guys I’ve been with for a couple years now, so they got to get a good feel for me,” Jones said. “I got to get a good feel for them, and they know my intent is good. So, as long as my intent stays good, then I don’t think we’ll have a problem.”
If so, the Raiders’ defense should get a huge boost from this talented player.
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