New Raider Jack Jones, Antonio Pierce Have Long History

On Tuesday, the Las Vegas Raiders announced they have claimed former New England Patriots cornerback Jack Jones off waivers while having waived defensive end Isaac Rochell.

Jones, who comes off one-plus seasons in New England and was waived by the Patriots on Monday, already has a strong tie to the Raiders.

The 25-year-old cornerback played high school football ball at Long Beach Poly during Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce's reign as the program's head coach. Jones also played for Arizona State during Pierce's coaching tenure with that program.

"[Jones is] somebody who gains depth for us on the back end, competition on the back end as well," Pierce told reporters on Wednesday. "He's a guy who can make plays on the ball. Again, just competition.

"If there are players out there who can help our team overall, we'll pick them up, regardless of where they're from."

Between high school and college, Pierce has seen Jones grow up. Now, he gets to be a part of his next chapter at the pro level.

"In high school, he was about a buck 20; I think he's now 170 [laughter]," Pierce said. "He ain't got much weight.

"But no, listen, maturity. The kid's been through a lot -- I've know him since he was very young, obviously, it's been documented. I've seen the growth, the development.

"Nobody's perfect. I don't expect [him] to be perfect. That's my job as well: to bring him along and our staff and our organization to help him if he needs be.

"But the football player is extremely gifted, and I expect him to do such when he gets here."

Jones was a five-star recruit coming out of Long Beach Poly. Prior to Arizona State, he played college football at USC and Moorpark College.

In his first season at Arizona State, Jones was named an All-Pacific 12 Conference selection after recording 46 combined tackles, 13 passes defensed, three interceptions and a forced fumble.

Jones played a total of 18 games for the Patriots, having made two starts.

The Silver and Black will head out on the road to South Beach to take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.

Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.