Raiders trade up to draft Clemson guard John Simpson in the 4th round

The Las Vegas Raiders started off Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft with a trade, moving up 12 spots in the fourth round to select guard John Simpson out of Clemson.

Las Vegas sent their one of their two fourth-round picks (No. 121) and a fifth-round pick (No. 172) to the Detroit Lions in exchange for pick No. 109. The Raiders acquired that fifth-round pick in a trade with New England on Friday night.

Simpson was a consensus All-American in 2019 as a senior, just the sixth guard in school history to do so. He played in 50 games for the Tigers, and started his last two years. Simpson is the second straight player the Raiders picked from Clemson in this draft, along with third-round pick Tanner Muse, and the fifth Tiger picked by the Raiders in the last two years, along with 2019 draftees Clelin Ferrell, Trayvon Mullen, and Hunter Renfrow.

Our Clemson blog, Shakin The Southland, offered a scouting report on Simpson:

The first thing that you notice about Simpson are his measureables. Even for an Offensive Lineman, Simpson’s arm and hand measurements are elite, especially his arm length which more closely resembles that of a pro Tackle than a Guard. At over 320 pounds his athletic testing numbers are also extremely impressive. A 30” vertical leap for any offensive line prospect showcase explosiveness and high-end athleticism. Generally, a sub-5.00 second shuttle is the best indicator for a pro Offensive Line prospect, and Simpson checked that box with a solid 4.87 at the combine this spring. John has heavy hands, and when he gets his hands on you you’re rarely ever going to overpower him.

Raiders 2020 NFL Draft picks:

• Round 1 (12th): Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver, Alabama
• Round 1 (19th): Damon Arnette, cornerback, Ohio State
• Round 3 (80th): Lynn Bowden, wide receiver, Kentucky
• Round 3 (81st): Bryan Edwards, wide receiver, South Carolina
• Round 3 (100th): Tanner Muse, linebacker/safety, Clemson
• Round 4 (121st): John Simpson, guard, Clemson
• Round 4 (139th): Amik Robertson, cornerback, Louisiana Tech