Daniel Corrigan| April 29th, 2020
The Las Vegas Raiders came into the draft this season needing to address their receiving core and the defensive backfield. They did so in the most Jon Gruden way, drafting “football guys.” Let’s look at who those guys are in the Las Vegas Raiders Draft Review.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL team drafts reviews here.
Round 1, Pick 12: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
Ruggs was the first receiver off the board. While he was not everyone’s number one receiver, he fits right in with the Raider way, fast as hell. He had the fastest 40 time at the combine with a 4.27. He is a complete burner that has the ability to beat you deep and open up the field. He is not the best route runner in the draft and outside of his speed, does not bring as much to the table. But his potential is through the roof.
Full Scouting Report here.
Grade: B-
Round 1, Pick 19: Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
Arnette made big strides between his junior and senior years. Arnette’s biggest skill is his physicality and his pass defense. He struggles with his tackling in space but when he makes contact with you, it’s very violent. If Arnette continues his profession, he may be one of the better-kept secrets in this draft. If he falls back into his junior year form, this could be a disaster.
Full Scouting Report here.
Grade: C
Round 3, Pick 80: Lynn Bowden Jr., WR, Kentucky
Bowden is one of the most versatile receivers in the draft. He can line up in the slot, outside, or carry the ball. He has a real Percy Harvin vibe to him. I can see Bowden also returning punts for the Raiders. With all of the different ways he can be used, he does not have one skill he has perfected. He is a positionless player, an athlete if you will.
Full Scouting Report here.
Grade: B
Round 3, Pick 81: Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
The Raiders completely revamped their receiving core. Edwards is the first “big receiver” that they drafted. At 6’3″ 215 pounds, he has the strength to get off defenders and go up and get the ball. The biggest concern is if he can stay healthy. Other than that, I think Edwards will complement the two speedsters they drafted already.
Grade: B+
Round 3, Pick 100: Tanner Muse, S, Clemson
It has been said that the Raiders may transition Muse to a weakside linebacker. He ran a 4.40 40 and is very good in space. If I were a Raiders fan, I would rather see Muse play safety. His pass-coverage skills and ability to cover every inch of the field make him very valuable.
Grade: B-
Round 4, Pick 109: John Simpson, G, Clemson
Gruden loves himself some Clemson players. Simpson has all the power and strength you would want as an offensive lineman. However, his speed and hand quickness leaves a bit to be desired. He can get a little lazy at times but has tremendous upside. Look for him to take over at right guard almost immediately.
Grade: B
Round 4, Pick 139: Amik Robertson, CB, Lousiana Tech
The Raiders spent one of their first-round picks on a violent CB. They have done the same thing with their last pick. Robinson, like Arnette, is a thumper even with his small frame. He is also a ballhawk, as evident by his 14 career interceptions. While he plays with a “chip on his shoulder” his size might cause some problems.
Grade: C+
Overall, the Raiders hit every need in this draft. While they were not the sexiest picks, they help complete a team that has shown flashes, but ultimately, was not as talented as the rest of the field. I am expecting big things from the Raiders in their first year in Vegas.
Overall Draft Grade: B-
Questions and comments?
thescorecrowsports@gmail.com
Hit us up on the Socials:
Twitter@thescorecrow
Reddit at u/TheScorecrow
Facebook at The Scorecrow
Instagram at The Scorecrow
Check out our Facebook Group where you can read and post articles at The Scorecrow
Reddit Group where everyone can post without fear of being banned at The Scorecrow
Follow Daniel Corrigan on Twitter @Corrigan_Tweets
Main Image Credit:
