The 2020 NFL draft is around the corner, and it seems like it will likely be the weirdest one we’ve ever seen. Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock on Zoom discussing guy’s tape is something to look forward to.
The big question is, who has the master mouse? Is Mayock going to be able to control Gruden and his impulses in a separate household?
Although the Las Vegas Raiders are entering the draft with an improved roster, they still have major holes to fill. With five picks in the top 90, they should be able to do so. In this scenario, the Silver and Black takes care of all their needs.
Round 1 (No.12) WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
In this scenario, the big defensive pieces are off the board. The Raiders could go Henderson here, but I don’t think they should pass on an elite wide receiver. Jeudy is an elite route-runner with dynamic movement skills. He can play inside and outside, which offers versatility at the NFL level. Anyone who watched the Raiders in 2019 knows how desperately they needed a true No. one wideout.
Round 1 TRADE (No. 30) CB Jaylon Johnson, Utah
This is a trade I’ve been envisioning for a while. Green Bay is desperate to add a playmaker opposite of Davante Adams, and should be a prime candidate to move up. In this scenario the Raiders trade No. 19 for No. 30, 62 and 192. With Henderson off the board, and a need at corner, the Raiders moved back to get Johnson, whom some may call a reach, but he is fifth ranked cornerback in the class and that’s strictly due to injury history. Johnson is a long, physical corner, and fits what the Raiders like to do. He also possesses above average ball-skills. He would be a nice pick for the Raiders to round out the first.
Round 2 (No. 62) S Terrell Burgess, Utah
The Raiders signed Damarious Randall, but they still need reinforcements. They have 3 players that are on short term deals and need someone next to Jonathan Abram. Burgess can play both safety positions, and rotate to slot corner if needed ( likely will be if Joyner keeps it up). The Raiders go from a leagues worst secondary to competitive very quickly in this scenario.
Related: Raiders can wait to draft a wide receiver in later rounds
Round 3 (No. 80) DT Davon Hamilton, Ohio State
The Raiders added Maliek Collins in free agency, but still need to get better in the interior. What makes Hamilton so intriguing here is Rod Marinelli could oversee his development. Hamilton only started one season at Ohio State, hence the draft slot, but he offers power and athleticism at the position. His pass-rush abilities are there, he just needs to refine his craft, and he could be an impactful player at the next level.
Round 3 (No. 81) WR Van Jefferson, Florida
The Raiders double dip at the position and land arguably the best route-runner outside of Jerry Jeudy in the class. Jefferson does everything coach Gruden looks for in a wide receiver, including blocking. He is a steal if he lasts until pick 81.
Round 3 (No. 91) DE Alex Highsmith, Charlotte
The Raiders don’t have a gigantic need at the edge position, however they could upgrade their rotation still. Arden Key is skinnier than a weight watchers margarita and hasn’t proven anything at the NFL level. Ferrell kicks inside often, making the backup edge spots on the roster very important. Nassib, Highsmith, Crosby and Ferrell takes what was the Raiders worst position group in 2018 and makes it potentially their best in 2020. Highsmith is similar to Maxx Crosby in a sense that he makes a ton of plays off of motor and tenacity.
Round 4 (No. 121) RB AJ Dillon, Boston College
In 2019, the Raiders saw a depressing drop in offensive production with Josh Jacobs off the field. They try and mend that a little by adding a complimentary piece in round four. Dillon is not the most explosive back, but should offer Las Vegas a short down option and be able to take 8-10 carries a game when necessary. I believe Dillon is one of the best power backs in the class.
Round 5 (No. 159) CB Reggie Robinson II, Tulsa
Robinson’s another guy that fits the Raiders outside specs at corner. He is another physical guy that can play the bump and run, and knows how to use his hands. He’s a bit stiff and uses his eyes too much causing him to fall to the fifth round. However, if the Raiders land him and can teach him up a bit, the physicality and skill-set are there to develop him.
Round 6 (Pick 192) K Tyler Bass, Georgia Southern
Daniel Carlson is bad. Tyler Bass is not. There isn’t much evaluation on a kicker other than that he makes field goals at a high rate. The Raiders will most likely address this position, to at least give Carlson some competition.
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