Before the 2020 NFL Draft selection process took place, Las Vegas Raiders general manager Mike Mayock stated that having three third-round picks was similar to stealing. Looking back, the former media personality may want to take this one back.
This one didn’t age well
The Raiders selected running back Lynn Bowden Jr, wide receiver Bryan Edwards and Muse with their three third-rounders. The team’s brass sent Bowden packing to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a fourth-round choice not long after the draft. Meanwhile, Edwards has been nursing an ankle injury since Week 3 and Muse had toe surgery and will miss the rest of the year according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Media.
It’s true that no team has or will ever have a perfect draft record. Nevertheless, the Raiders haven’t seen many returns from their 2020 third-round picks. In fact, the team drafted seven players, and none one of them has become a steady contributor. Wide receiver Henry Ruggs III has certainly displayed flashes of talent. However, he hasn’t turned into the premiere wide receiver the organization envisions him to be.
Damon Arnette sustained a thumb injury a few weeks ago and was later placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Guard John Simpson has seen playing time but has shown he needs more time to develop. Cornerback Amik Robertson has just dressed up for four games and has played a total of 24 snaps on defense.
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The Raiders need to regroup and cut their losses
At this point, there’s not much the Raiders can do about their 2020 draft class. Injuries are an inherent part of the game and they didn’t go into the season hoping Arnette, Edwards, and Muse would sustain lesions. On the other hand, they surely are disappointed about how things turned out for the Clemson standout. Arnette should return soon and so should Edwards. They still have a chance to turn things around this season but Muse doesn’t.
The Raiders will have to wait another year to see what Muse can do, which comes with a silver lining. If the Silver and Black’s linebacker unit keeps underperforming, the team will look for upgrades at the position and Muse could get another chance to make an impact. The linebacker now needs to focus on what he can control, work on his recovery, and get ready for the offseason. The early returns aren’t favorable, but Muse will have time to make up ground.
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