The Oakland Raiders spent the first two picks on day three on the defense, selecting cornerback Nick Nelson, and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst. With their third pick on Saturday, the team decided to bring in a punter, drafting Johnny Townsend from the University of Florida.
A two-time second-team All-SEC player, Townsend adds some depth to a group that was changed up this offseason. Pro Bowl punter Marquette King was shown the door by the new regime before he could even meet them, leaving a pretty big hole at the position.
After releasing King this offseason, and having only Colby Wadman on the roster, the need for a punter was a big one.