The Las Vegas Raiders retooled their defensive secondary this past offseason. Among those additions was cornerback Damon Arnette. Could the Raiders start the Ohio State product right out of the gate?
As we’ve seen since head coach Jon Gruden’s return to the sidelines, the brash skipper doesn’t shy away from starting rookies. He’ll do this at key positions no less. There are many examples, but Kolton Miller at tackle, Hunter Renfrow at wide receiver, or Trayvon Mullen at cornerback, come to mind. This might be the case again this year, and this time it could be Arnette.
The Raiders needed to get younger and faster at corner and they did that this past NFL draft. They picked up not only Arnette but Amik Robertson who figures to be in competition for defensive snaps. Mullen was a rookie revelation, perhaps Gruden believes lightning can strike twice? The Athletic’s Vic Tafur Tweeted that Grude believes that if a starting role is earned, he’ll reward it.
First-round pick @damon_arnette “can start (at corner),” Gruden said. “I am not afraid to start the young guys. But they have to earn it.” #Raiders
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) July 30, 2020
Related: WR Rico Gafford Ready to Show What He’s Capable Of
They Have To Earn It
The cornerback position as a whole is actually quite crowded this season for the Silver and Black. That in itself isn’t bad all things considered when looking at what has transpired the last couple of years. Prince Amukamara, the crafty and reliable veteran, was signed during free agency. In addition, let’s not forget Isaiah Johnson is healthy now after injuries derailed his rookie campaign.
Maybe throwing Damon Arnette into the fire and seeing what happens might not be such a bad thing. Let’s not forget, many have been questioning the draft pick since April.
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*Top Photo: Casey Cascaldo/The Lantern
