Complete recap of the Las Vegas Raiders 2020 NFL Draft

Fourth Round

• Round 4, Pick No. 109: John Simpson, OG, Clemson

To kick off the start of day three, the Raiders traded up to pick 109 with the Detroit Lions in exchange for picks 121 and 172 overall. Adding another guard to the mix with Simpson after signing three in free agency has created speculation that the writing might be on the wall for Gabe Jackson. moving forward Although, that wasn’t necessarily the case — when the draft concluded, Mayock stated Jackson is the team’s starting right guard.

Simpson became the sixth offensive lineman in Clemson history to earn consensus All-American honors. He played 725 snaps throughout the 2019 season in 14 games, all in which he got the start in each outing. In 2017, he filled the role of being the Tigers’ swing guard prior to becoming a two-year starter, helping Clemson put together a 29-1 stretch run during his final two seasons.

Initially, he projects as a depth piece in 2020 but with Jackson having no guaranteed money left on his current three-year contract and Richie Incognito entering his age 37 season, Simpson could find himself cracking the starting lineup sooner rather than later.

• Round 4, Pick No. 139: Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech

Entering the draft, cornerback was an area the Raiders needed to put a true emphasis on, and they did so, adding Arnette on day one. By the looks of things, they felt the depth at that position isn’t where they quite wanted it and that’s why adding Robertson in the fourth round was a move that Gruden and Mayock were floored about.

Robertson, who’s listed at 5’8″, 187 pounds, won’t intimidate his opposition based on his physical structure but he plays much larger than advertised. When the Raiders choose Roberton, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah mentioned he had him ranked as the best nickel cornerback in this year’s draft. Draft experts have noted if Robertson was a couple inches taller, he likely would’ve been picked around the ballpark of the second round.

His length really is the only downfall to his game and the reason he was still available on day three. His final college season concluded with 44 tackles, five interceptions, 16 pass breakups and one forced fumble. He’ll fit in below Lamarcus Joyner on the depth chart as the second option in covering the opposition’s slot receiver.