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2020 NFL Draft: Grading each Raiders pick

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A grade for all seven draft picks

Arkansas v Alabama Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The 2020 NFL Draft has come and gone, and oh boy was that a lot of fun, wasn’t it. All in all, the Las Vegas Raiders ended up making seven picks over the three days.

So, how did they do? Let’s grade the picks.


Round 1: No. 12: Henry Ruggs III, WR - Alabama

Grade: A

The Raiders were expected to go with a wide receiver here, and they did. Surprisingly, they had their choice at the top three, but ultimately went with Henry Ruggs III, the speedster out of Alabama. It might be more than a decade until we know which one of the three receivers pans out the best, but for now, the Raiders got their guy, and addressed arguably their biggest need.

Alabama v Auburn Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Round 1: No. 19: Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State

Grade: C-

Damon Arnette could turn out to be a Pro-Bowler. Based off of where he was selected, it appears Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden expect him to be. With no second rounders, it’s unlikely Arnette would have been available for Vegas in the third round. So, they reached to make sure they got their guy.

Rutgers v Ohio State Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Round 3: No. 80: Lynn Bowden Jr., RB/WR - Kentucky

Grade: B

Lynn Bowden Jr. was one of the more intriguing names of this draft. He’s got experience as a wide receiver and running back (even quarterback too!), but it looks like he’s willing to do whatever the Raiders ask of him. His versatility could end up being a huge boost for the team.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 31 Belk Bowl - Virginia Tech v Kentucky Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Round 3: No. 81: Bryan Edwards, WR - South Carolina

Grade: B+

Though they took Ruggs III in the first round, Mayock and Gruden went with another dynamic wide receiver. Bryan Edwards has a chance to be the biggest sleeper pick at the position from this draft.

Missouri v South Carolina Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images

Round 3: No. 100: Tanner Muse, LB/S - Clemson

Grade: B-

To no surprise, the Raiders went with a guy out of Clemson. It’s expected that Tanner Muse will play linebacker.

Clemson v North Carolina Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Round 4: No. 109: John Simpson, OG - Clemson

Grade: B+

Did somebody say Clemson? The Raiders went with Tigers in back-to-back picks. They got an “All-American” with John Simpson, who played in 50 games while at Clemson. Great value at this spot in the draft.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 30 Clemson at South Carolina Photo by Dannie Walls/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Round 4: No. 139: Amik Robertson, CB - Louisiana Tech

Grade: A+

The best pick in the draft for the Raiders, in my opinion. It seemed like for days, fans were praying Amik Robertson would fall to them, and he did. His numbers were eye-popping, and he can be a difference-maker for the Raiders this season. Oh, did I mention he fell all the way to 139?

NCAA Football: Louisiana Tech at Texas Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Poll

What grade would you give the Raiders’ draft?

  • 28%
    A
    (1068 votes)
  • 56%
    B
    (2120 votes)
  • 11%
    C
    (433 votes)
  • 1%
    D
    (66 votes)
  • 1%
    F
    (43 votes)
3730 votes total Vote Now