2020 NFL Draft
No team faces quite as much pressure as the Raiders do in this draft. It’s not just the two first round picks (12th and 19th), but the fact the NFL Draft is in Las Vegas this year, the new home of the Raiders.
Not only does it add a little extra pressure to start off the new era, but if the Raiders want to have any chance of reaching the Super Bowl, they will need to have a strong draft. GM Mike Mayock had a great first draft in 2019, adding players such as Maxx Crosby, Josh Jacobs and Hunter Renfrow, but there is more work to be done.
The Raiders 2019 class was one for the ages, and one that will play a huge part in the team going forward. Now with this draft, it’s a little tricky, as we have no idea who the Raiders will sign in free agency, or who will drop to them at picks 12 and 19. Many mock drafts have the Raiders going wide receiver in CeeDee Lamb or Jerry Jeudy, or even adding a linebacker in Isaiah Simmons or Kenneth Murray.
In fact any of these players would be an instant starter and provide a huge spark for the Raiders. One thing is the case though, the Raiders must draft wisely to have any chance at a Super Bowl appearance.