For those seemingly surprised by Daniel Thomas making the team (and Claybrooks still on the roster even though not counting against it yet due to league suspension)


Thomas and Claybrooks were gunners in a kick coverage unit that downed 24 punts inside the 20 last year.
There were several key punts downed inside the ten late in games to help preserve a lead or aid in a win.
These guys helped Cooke achieve the 6th best net punting distance in the league.

The practice I attended featured kick coverage drills and many of the other DBs, WRs, and RBs had reps.
None of them were as fluid and quick to the returner as Thomas and Claybrooks.

While Claybrooks' status is in jeopardy due to the legal matter, I think Thomas' ability in this role factored into his roster spot. I've seen some folks waiving off this role as unimportant in roster decisions, but I'd wager Coach Farwell feels differently and that's why Claybrooks wasn't cut after the second domestic issue, and why Daniel Thomas is still a safety for the Jaguars.

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