Las Vegas Raiders quick reaction 2020 NFL Draft grade: John Simpson
By BD Williams
Why the pick makes sense and the quick grade
Simpson will be asked to execute a zone scheme, which may not be his best technique. He needs to work on lowering his pad level and bending at the knees as oppose to the hips. He’ll show on tape getting into bad positions at times when faced with speed or trying to execute blocks in space, which is the majority of what a zone blocking scheme will ask of him.
That being said, Simpson no doubt shares the football acumen, toughness, and maturity that Mayock and Gruden have emphasized going back to last years draft. Simpson is in a good place to learn behind Jackson, Richie Incognito, Denzelle Good, or whoever is starting at guard this fall.
He gives the team more flexibility on how to address the cap hit that Gabe Jackson’s contract currently represents. Since the front office traded up for him, its possible they think Simpson could be ready to start this season.
Next. Las Vegas Raiders trade up to select Clemson offensive guard John Simpson. dark
The camp battle at guard will be intriguing to watch this year and Simpson will really need to put his best foot forward if he is to beat out all the veterans currently rostered at the position. Jackson’s contract has been a big cause for conversation all offseason, and maybe this addition spells the end to his time in Vegas.