Raiders draft results: Time is now for the Raiders to shine

The Raiders loaded up with seven picks in the first four rounds of the 2020 NFL draft.

The hope is that most of those seven players will step in and play immediately. The youngsters will have that opportunity. The Raiders want this draft class to excel — like last year’s class did — in their first year in Las Vegas and for the long term in what they hope truly is Win City.

First-round picks receiver Henry Ruggs III and cornerback Damon Arnette, third rounders, running back/receiver Lynn Bowden and receiver Bryan Edwards, and fourth-round pick cornerback Amik Robertson will all have the chance to contribute greatly this year. Third-rounder linebacker Tanner Muse will have a chance to make his mark on special teams, while fourth-round pick guard John Simpson will likely be given some time to develop.

Last year, Clelin Ferrell, Josh Jacobs, Johnathan Abram (he was hurt in the first game), defensive end Maxx Crosby, tight end Foster Moreau, receiver Hunter Renfrow and undrafted free agent, fullback Alec Ingold, were all key members of the team. They’re foundation pieces for Vegas.

If that class can build from their exciting, encouraging rookie season, and this class produce some real foundation players, Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock are going to be set for 2020 and for the long haul.

If you look at the Raiders, there aren’t a lot of holes on the Raiders. We don’t know if they’re are going to be good everywhere, but the roster is pretty set.

Now, it’s time to produce and these two classes will set the stage.

That directly influences quarterback Derek Carr. The Raiders are helping their 29-year-old quarterback both on offense (they are as explosive and as diverse as they’ve ever been in Carr’s career) and on defense.

However, if he can’t take the Raiders to the next level, Las Vegas will eventually make a move at QB, too.

But for now, the stage is set for the Raiders to ascend because of these last two draft classes.