Taiwan Jones: Why Fantasy Owners Should Make Room for Raiders RB on Roster

Once a forgotten man on the Raiders’ roster, Taiwan Jones will get his chance to extend his role with the Oakland Raiders.

If the Oakland running back gets an opportunity in the open field against Baltimore this Sunday, you’ll be wishing he had a spot on your fantasy bench.

Jones is owned in only 14 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Here’s your chance.

The Oakland backfield seems to be up in flames after Darren McFadden and backup Mike Goodson both got injured. Jones and fullback Marcel Reese will split carries for the Raiders’ running game against the Ravens.

The Baltimore run defense ranks in the NFL’s bottom five; the Raiders will try to exploit their weaknesses early even with their backups getting the full load.

Jones hasn’t made a name for himself, but not from opportunity. He’s only held the ball 20 times in two years, averaging about five yards a touch. Last year, McFadden and Michael Bush had all the carries to themselves; this year it’s been McFadden and Goodson.

Now Jones gets his chance to shine out of circumstance. He’s worth a stash on all fantasy benches if there’s room.

For those thinking that McFadden will come back soon and take his job, it’s Darren McFadden we’re talking about. The Raiders’ prized back can’t stay on the field to get his fantasy points.

Most of Jones’ reputation has been formulated from hearsay about his speed. The Raiders picked the Eastern Washington product in the 2011 draft mainly due to a 4.3 40-yard dash. Al Davis loved speed and the Raiders didn’t flinch when picking the fastest man in the 2011 draft pool.

Alongside fellow speedsters Darrius Heyward-Bey and Jacoby Ford, Oakland defensive players say their toughest challenge is none other than Jones. Cornerback Michael Huff tells all:

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"You can't tell how fast he's running until you're up on him," Huff said. "By then he's out-run your angle and it's really too late."

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Raiders’ offensive coordinator Gregg Knapp says that Jones may be the fastest player he’s ever coached.

Don’t miss out on the speed demon before he’s runs his way into fantasy lineups.

Mike Shiekman is a Breaking News Writer for Bleacher Report. He loves giving fantasy football advice.

Follow @TheRealShiek