Grading the Las Vegas Raiders 2020 NFL Draft class
By Evan Groat
Cornerback . Ohio State. player. DamonArnette. 19. 812. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
With the second of two first round picks, the Raiders addressed their next biggest need by selecting Ohio State cornerback, Damon Arnette. I have several reasons for my grade of this pick, the first being that I don’t think they got the best value possible by taking Arnette at No. 19 overall.
Mayock spoke in his conference call that he fielded several calls about trading the pick, but in the end, he opted to stay put and take his guy, citing that he wasn’t sure he would still get Arnette in a trade back scenario. This is a talented corner, but at No. 19, it may have been a bit of a reach.
I would have liked to seen the Raiders gamble that Arnette would have been on the board later in round one and picked up an extra pick later in the draft. One of my other concerns is Arnette’s long speed, as he was only clocked a 4.56 in the forty at the combine. It’s not a deal breaker but he could have trouble dealing with speedy receivers.
Besides the value, I think Arnette has the potential to be a very good fit in the Raiders defense with his tough, physical style of play. He has plenty of experience playing man to man from his days at Ohio State, and the Raiders needed a guy who can come up and play press-man coverage.