With the 109th pick the Las Vegas Raiders selected John Simpson, guard out of Clemson (shocker). This pick was met with immediate adverse reaction from just about everyone. Analysts and fans alike had a hard time understanding the selection.
This year, the Raiders had a pretty solid draft class overall. Some called Damon Arnette a reach at 19 while others didn’t understand why Henry Ruggs III was picked at No.12 instead of Jerry Jeudy or CeeDee Lamb. However, the most perplexing pick came in the fourth round.
Day 3 For The Raiders
The Silver and Black went into Day 3 with picks No.100, No.121, No.139 and No.172. The Raiders traded with the Lions to get up the 109th while surrendering 121th and 172th. Fans and analysts alike thought it would be to snag Amik Robertson, ended up being the 139th selection. Others thought it would be Bradlee Anae (179th to the Cowboys) or even a triple dip at receiver with Tyler Johnson (161th to the Buccaneers).
Instead, the Raiders selected John Simpson offensive guard out of…. yep you guessed it, Clemson. At first glance, that selection felt as if there was a trade in the works for current starting guard Gabe Jackson.
Gabe Remains a Raider…
However, day three of the draft came and went and Gabe Jackson was still with the Raiders, who extended Richie Incognito to presumptively be the starting left guard. They also have incumbent Denzelle Good and Lester Cotton, resigned Jordan Devey and brought in Eric Kush. With the addition of Simpson, the guard position appears to be overcrowded.
Related: Raiders Refrained From Trading Players During Draft
A few fans weren’t entirely enthralled with the pick either:
If I had to grade the picks from the Raiders #RaiderNation#raiders #nfldraft
Henry Ruggs A
Annette C+
Lyn bowden Jr B+
Bryan Edwards A+
Tanner Muse B
John Simpson C
Amik Robertson A— UkRaider⚫⚪ (@THEUKRAIDER) April 26, 2020
Now for my draft grade picks like anybody cares
Henry Ruggs: A-
Damon Arnette: C
Lynn Bowden: C+
Bryan Edwards: B
Tanner Muse: D+ (special teams Gawd)
John Simpson: C+
Amik Robertson: A— Jacob H (@JacobH209) April 25, 2020
#Raiders jump up and grab another Tiger and a Guard which was an expected early day 3 addition in John Simpson.
— Scott Winter (@Scott_WinterNFL) April 25, 2020
Others felt this spelled the certain end for Jackson.
Well with this Raiders pick John Simpson I think that signals goodbye to Gabe Jackson. Hopefully they can trade him for a pick today
— Dee Dot Major Music (@DeeDot81) April 25, 2020
John Simpson is one strong dude..
Doesn’t bold well for Gabe
— Eddie Borsilli (@Borsilli) April 25, 2020
#Raiders trade up. Take Clemson G John Simpson 109th overall. Will Gabe Jackson be dealt today?
— Fallon (@FallonSmithTV) April 25, 2020
There was quite a bit of love for Simpson though:
Now I’m hoping the #Raiders get some of these guys in Day 3:
• Donovan Peoples-Jones
• Jake Fromm
• Troy Dye
• Tyler Biadasz
• Bryce Hall#NFLDraft #RaiderNation— Death Star Report ☠(@DeathStarReport) April 25, 2020
Mike Mayock and Gruden are incredible in the 4th and 5th. Maurice Hurst, Maxx Crosby, Hunter Renfrow, and now Amik Robertson and John Simpson
— Zanyy (@o_Zanyy) April 25, 2020
– John Simpson will be great depth at G and could be our full time starter in a couple years. Again, great value for him on Day 3
– Lynn Bowden jr will be such a great chess piece for Gruden. Tough runner, upside receiver— Sneak (@SanDiegoSneak) April 26, 2020
Several fans wanted Simpson for their respective teams.
There’s nothing encouraging about the #Bears situation at right guard right now. I really thought they’d find a way to get into the 4th and get someone like John Simpson. Since they didn’t Pace needs to address that before camp.
— Chris (@AlanWolfkin) April 26, 2020
The Vikings draft started to go downhill when Rick traded away the 3rd round pick rather than selecting John Simpson G.
The only big win in Day 3 is James Lynch DL.
Taking DJ Wonnum over Trevis Gibson, then losing Gibson to the Bears in the 5th is another boneheaded move.
— Michael O’Hogan (@MichaelOHogan1) April 25, 2020
Omg totally! I really wanted John Simpson in the 4th round, but there’s Big Tyler FROM wisconsin
— Paul Stewart (@IAmPStew) April 25, 2020
What makes this whole thing even more puzzling was general manager Mike Mayock coming out and saying Jackson is going to be the starter.
“I think Gabe Jackson is our starting right guard. That’s exactly what it says.”
Raiders GM Mike Mayock gives his veteran a vote of confidence despite recent roster moves at the position (via @BairNBCS) https://t.co/obnnxdzfY5 pic.twitter.com/ihK7x3GJvF
— Raiders on NBCS (@NBCSRaiders) April 26, 2020
It’s quite possible Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden saw a valuable pick and wanted to jump at the opportunity to select him á la Hunter Renfrow last year. Competition amongst teammates is never really a bad thing and should make everyone better and on top of their games. While it isn’t clear what the plan is right now for Jackson or Simpson, the Raiders appeared to get another great value in the late rounds of the draft.
Also, if Gruden doesn’t work out perhaps Dabo Swinney might be in line:
At this rate, if Jon Gruden doesn’t workout in Las Vegas, the Raiders should just hire Dabo Swinney.
In the past two years, the Raiders have drafted five Clemson Tigers
– Hunter Renfrow
– Trayvon Mullen
– Clelin Ferrell
– Tanner Muse
– John Simpson— Mike Uva (@Mike_Uva) April 25, 2020
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