The Las Vegas Raiders will be addressing several key positions in the 2020 NFL draft. Wide receiver and linebacker come to mind, but would they trade draft picks to land game-changing talent?
Dane Brugler of The Athletic recently released a mock with trades, and one, in particular, that will stand out: Brugler gives a scenario where general manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden make a deal with the Arizona Cardinals. Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther would certainly be salivating if this were to become a reality in April:
***TRADE***
Las Vegas Raiders receive:
2020 first-round pick (No. 8 overall)Arizona Cardinals receive:
2020 first-round pick (No. 12 overall)
2020 third-round pick (No. 80 overall)
2020 fifth-round pick
Why would Raiders DC Guenther be ecstatic?
Because the Raiders would presumably execute such a trade to land linebacker Isaiah Simmons. The beset defensive shot caller would finally have some talent to work with after having to rely on stop gap solutions.
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In that same article, Brugler points out Simmons is a franchise type player to many:
“Watching the Raiders on defense last year, Simmons is the playmaker they are missing. A versatile talent, he is a four-down playmaker who can blitz, cover and stop the run. It is unlikely that Simmons makes it to the No. 12 pick, but if he is still available with the eighth pick, this is a move that makes too much sense for Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock.”
On the other hand, the Raiders also have a glaring need at wide receiver, which could also be addressed with that eighth overall pick.
Let us know what you think Raider Nation, do you want Simmons at #8?
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