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NFL Draft results: Raiders Day 1 winners and losers

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Derek Carr wins big at the expense of Aaron Rodgers

Oakland Raiders v Denver Broncos
Derek Carr
Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

As we prepare for the second day of the NFL draft, let’s look at the winners and losers of the Raiders’ first-round picks of Alabama receiver Henry Ruggs III at No. 12 and Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette at No. 19.

Oakland Raiders v Denver Broncos
Jon Gruden
Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

WINNERS:

Derek Carr: No, the Raiders didn’t take Jordan Love. That’s on Aaron Rodgers. Carr is safe for another year and he got a speed receiver. It’s up to him to take advantage.

Memory of Al Davis: GM Mike Mayock talked to Mark Davis and he said his dad is looking down smiling because the Raiders added speed. Ruggs was the fastest receiver in this draft. A total Al pick.

Jon Gruden’s title: Gruden wanted speed and he got it. Remember, Mayock is a good draft guy, but Gruden gets final say.

Oakland Raiders v Denver Broncos
Daryl Worley
Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

LOSERS:

Draft experts: No one would have guessed Ruggs would have been the first receiver to go and no one would have guessed Arnette would have been the No. 19 picks.

Some Raiders cornerbacks: Last week, Mayock mentioned the Raiders young cornerbacks. The Arnette pick pushes some back. Other than Trayvon Mullen and Isaiah Johnson, it’s not a great day for other Raiders’ cornerbacks such as Nick Nelson or Nevin Lawson. It could be another sign that Daryl Worley won’t come back in free agency.

Fans who hate to see AFC West rivals get better: Yes, that’s all of you. The rest of the AFC West had a good night. I love the Broncos’ pick of Alabama receiver Jerry Jeudy at No. 15 and the Chargers trade up to get Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray at No. 23. The Raiders could have easily taken both of those players. The Chiefs got better with the pick of running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The jury is out on Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, but the division got better Thursday.