Raiders NFL Draft 2020: Winners and losers

The Las Vegas Raiders drafted seven players in the NFL draft this weekend.

It was a wildly intriguing draft for Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock that could set up the franchise to make a big leap in the AFC playoff chase.

As always, the draft shapes the franchise moving forward.

Here is our Raiders’ 2020 NFL draft winners and losers:

WINNERS:

Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

Derek Carr:
A few days ago, Carr was supposed to be where Aaron Rodgers is sitting right now, facing a reality that Jordan Love was drafted in the first round. But it didn’t happen. For the second straight year, Carr has survived extensive rumors that the Raiders would draft his replacement.

This year, he had the added bonus of dealing with Tom Brady rumors. But Carr will be the Las Vegas Raiders’ quarterback. Plus, the Raiders drafted three weapons for him in the first three rounds. Raiders’ general manager Mike Mayock said Saturday that he and Carr were texting throughout the draft. Carr gets his weapons and stays with the Raiders.

Gruden-Mayock relationship:
There were reports that this relationship wasn’t great a few months ago. Yet, they worked well together and patiently worked the board. Gruden runs the show, but this partnership works.

Clemson gear in Las Vegas:
The Raiders drafted Clemson linebacker Tanner Muse and Tigers’ guard John Simpson in the fourth round. They join 2019 Raiders’ draft picks Clelin Ferrell, Trayvon Mullen and Hunter Renfrow, who went to Clemson. We may see futures scenes like this in 2020:

LOSERS:

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Gabe Jackson:
He has been the subject of trade rumors all offseason. The Raiders re-signed veterans Denzelle Good and Jordan Devey and added Eric Kush in free agency. Then, they drafted Simpson on Friday. Yes, Mayock said Saturday that Jackson is the Raiders starting guard. But, come on. All the additions in free agency, the trade up to get Simpson and the fact that Jackson is owed $9.6 million indicate otherwise. If Jackson isn’t traded or cut, his days with the Raiders appear numbered.

Nelson Agholor:
The additions of Henry Ruggs III, Bryan Edwards and Lynn Bowman, who will play running back and some receiver, is crowding the Raiders’ receiver room. With Tyrell Williams and Renfrow, I just don’t see a scenario were Agholor, added with a modest contract in free agency, will be a big part of the offense unless the rookies don’t develop quickly or there are injuries.

LaMarcus Joyner:
Joyner signed a big contract in 2019. The Raiders have used him as a nickel. Robertson was drafted to be a nickel. This could be Joyner’s final year with the Raiders even though he is signed through 2022. His dead money shrinks big time in a year.