Here at the Raider Ramble, we’ve published several scenarios and have looked at plenty of angles regarding what the Las Vegas Raiders could do at the 2020 NFL Draft. We’ve delved into everything, from first-round surprises to possible trades. However, this is what we think will happen tonight.
Raiders Blog: Enjoy Raider Nation and let us know what you think in the comments!
1st Round Pick No.12
Mario: Isaiah Simmons, LB
With a top ten that will see Chase Young and the top quarterbacks go in the top 10, I predict Simmons falls. This is a generational player the Raiders can’t pass up even with a need at wide receiver.
Carlos: C.J. Henderson, CB
This year’s wide receiver class is deep, other positions aren’t as abundant in talent. Here, the Raiders pick one of the best three cornerbacks in the draft without having to trade up.
1st Round Pick No.19
Mario: A.J., Terrell, CB
The recent uptick of Terrell’s stock combined with C.J. Henderson being off the board by this point in my opinion, leads to this selection. Finally, defensive coordinator Paul Guenther gets his second starting cornerback.
Carlos: Denzel Mims, WR
Mims showed last year how good he can be and that was with a broken hand. If Las Vegas can trade down a bit, the receiver should still be in the board and get an extra pick in the process.
Related: Raider Ramble Top 16 EDGE prospects
3rd Round Pick No. 80
Mario: Michael Pittman Jr., WR
The former USC Trojan falls into Mayock’s lap in the third round. The Raiders get some much needed help at receiver.
Carlos: Zack Moss, RB
The Raiders need to make sure Josh Jacobs plays a full season and drafting Moss makes that preposition easier to achieve.
3rd Round Pick No. 81
Mario: Jalen Hurts, QB
Spare me the quarterback chatter on this one, Derek Carr is not the answer. Unfortunately, neither is Nathan Peterman or Marcus Mariota. Assuming Hurts falls, the Raiders have to jump on this pick.
Carlos: Prince Tega Whanogho, OL
Las Vegas can’t neglect their offensive line and have to keep bringing in players. Whanogho can become the tackle Brandon Parker hasn’t been.
3rd Round Pick No. 91
Mario: Darrell Taylor, EDGE
Despite the free agent acquisitions of Maliek Collins and Carl Nassib, the Raiders can never have too many good pass rushers, Taylor provides quality depth.
Carlos: Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB
This year, the Raiders linebacker corps will be led by Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski, but they can draft Davis-Gaither and have him compete for the other starting spot.
Raiders Blog: So how did
4th Round Pick No. 121
Mario: Antoine Brooks Jr., S
The Raiders still need depth at safety, don’t forget Damarious Randall is on a one year deal. Too much upside with Brooks who’s an excellent tackler. Easy pick.
Carlos: Geno Stone, S
If the Raiders miss on Davis-Gaither, they could get Jordyn Brooks. On the other hand, Geno Stone join a secondary that isn’t fully settled yet.
5th Round Pick No.159
Mario: Markus Bailey, LB
The Silver and Black still need a linebacker despite the excellent free agency additions. There’ll be no pressure on Bailey out of the gate, have him sit and prepare.
This should be the only “project” pick the Raiders make in this draft.
Carlos: Tyler Johnson, WR
This round is where Mike Mayock found Hunter Renfrow last year. Lightening could strike twice and the general manager could find another gem in a late round.
You May Also Like: The Only Nation Podcast: It’s Draft Time