Raiders 2020 NFL Draft mock roundup: Will Las Vegas add a QB?
CBS Sports – Chris Trapasso
Pick 13 – Jordan Love, QB Utah State
Pick 18 – Damon Arnette, CB Ohio State
Since Gruden took over the reigns of the head coaching duty, the debate whether or not he is sold on Derek Carr has been brought to the forefront. Although, over the course of two seasons that Gruden has handpicked his players, he still hasn’t drafted a quarterback up to this point.
But with Carr’s descending play in the later half of the 2019 season, the speculation has intensified as we inch closer to draft day.
CBS’s Chris Trapasso has mocked Utah State quarterback Jordan Love to be Gruden’s new signal caller. Additionally, he has the Raiders going defense with pick No. 18 to grab Ohio State’s cornerback Damon Arnette.
Love is an intriguing quarterback that possesses many traits that scouts look for in a NFL signal caller. He checks all the boxes in terms of size and body type that’s looked upon. Love has the ability to sneak balls into tight windows while also making things happen on off-script plays.
However, his film this season is tough to articulate as he’s coming off a down year compared to the numbers that he posted during his sophomore campaign. Ultimately, his traits still fit the mold of an NFL passer and that’s what will draw strong interest among teams searching for a new quarterback.
Now onto the Raiders defensive side of the ball — they currently allow an average of 262 passing yards per game, ranking 26th in the NFL. Drafting a player to help improve Paul Gunether’s pass defensive could be in the cards come draft day.
Arnette is arguably one of the most improved defensive backs in the college football ranks. His game is more suited for zone coverage, which the Raiders run the majority of the time. Arnette has experience in the slot as well as playing on the outside. Ultimately, his biggest calling card is his superior versatility and football IQ that shows up on game days.