Grading the Las Vegas Raiders 2020 NFL Draft class

By Evan Groat | Apr 26, 2020

TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 21: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for a touchdown after catching a pass during a game against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Alabama defeated Southern Miss 49-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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John Simpson (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report. Clemson. JohnSimpson. player. 879. Pick Analysis. Guard. 109

With 37-year old Richie Incognito currently the starter at left guard, the Raiders needed to go out and find an eventual long term replacement. John Simpson is solidly built, with thick legs that he uses to drive defenders into the ground. He is very comfortable and reliable in pass protection.

He was a two-year starter for Clemson and a consensus All-American selection in 2019. Depending on who’s pre-draft rankings you were looking at, Simpson was widely considered as one of the top guard prospects in this years draft.

Overall, Simpson has the potential to be a full time starter, but will provide the Raiders with depth behind Incogntio and Gabe Jackson to start his career. Remember, there is a chance that the team trades away Jackson due to his cap number, and if that is the case, Simpson should be good enough to come in and start on the right side.

Grade: B

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