When the Las Vegas Raiders and their braintrust of Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock sit for the 2020 NFL Draft, they will need to have a sense of timing. Granted, the Raiders still need multiple holes filled for starters and reserves. yet, this draft takes on a different tone when the pandemic and lack of interaction with prospects hang overhead. As a result, the team needs to make sense.
Round 1, 12th Overall
CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
Rationale
If you look st the type of corners that Paul Guenther prefers, Henderson fills the bill. Will long limbs and sticky feet, the former Gator should fit for a starting spot. In a division of Mike Williams and Courtland Sutton, the Raiders need another tall corner with enough size and instincts to navigate the division.
TRADE: ( 38th overall (Trade with CAR. Raiders send the 19th overall for the 38th and 42nd picks)
Round 2, 38th overall
Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
Rationale
Mike Mayock discussed a preference for not selecting wideouts in the first round. With the recent success of DK Metcalf and AJ Brown, picked on the second day, Vegas decides to wait. In Reagor, he gives the Raiders a twitchy threat that runs crisp routes, gains separation, and will allow Tyrell Williams to get vertical. Derek Carr needs a sure-handed outside wideout. Both Gruden and Mayock will tout Reagor’s athlete ability and bloodline.
Round 2, 42nd overall
Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A+M
Rationale
PJ Hall does not generate consistent pressure enough to justify a spot. With Rod Marinelli entering the folks, the Raiders began to re-tool the line. Madubuike’s blend of power and quickness will make life easier for the ends. Also, adding Madubuike to Hurst and Collins feels like a sound decision.
Round 3, 80th overall
Zack Moss, RB, Utah
Rationale
Normally, the smart move would be to wait for a running back to back up Josh Jacobs. However, Jon Gruden wants his brand of back. AS a result, look for a bold move for the former Ute. Moss runs wins unabashed anger and lives for contact. With Moss, Vegas can batter defenses with Moss keeping Jacobs healthy by shaving carries.
Round 3, 81st overall
Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming
Rationale
Granted, the Raiders signed linebackers Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski to lucrative deals. Who starts at the third spot in a base 4-3? Wilson’s nose for the ball, range on the perimeter and technique gives him the head and shoulders advantage over the rest of the LB corps.
Round 3, 91st overall
Alton Robinson, DE, Syracuse
Rationale
The Raiders waited for Arden Key to flourish. despite ample reps and opportunities, Key continued to struggle. Meanwhile, Robinson plays will a mammoth chip on his shoulder. As mentioned, Rod Marinelli loves to rotate his line constantly. Look for the Raiders to draft a player like Robinson and deploy him in a rotational role.
Round 4. 121st overall
Damian Lewis, OG, LSU
Rationale
Richie Incognito enters the twilight of his career. As of this writing, Gabe Jackson is still a Raider. Yet, behind them, retreads and fringe vets line the depth chart. In Lewis, the Raiders could spot him behind Jackson, eventually a replacement at guard. He brings the power and nastiness to develop into a quality starter. Lewis wants to maul the defensive tackles.
