List of Las Vegas Raiders starters after the 2020 NFL Draft
By Nick Ellis
Defensive Backs
The secondary was a major issue last season, and through free agency, and the draft, the Raiders improved this area of their roster as well. Las Vegas will have to keep up with dynamic offenses in Denver and Kansas City twice a season, and they brought in the speedsters to do so this offseason.
Cornerback: Trayvon Mullen
Trayvon Mullen earned the starting role later in his rookie season, and once he got the chance, he played extremely well, earning the CB1 spot on the roster. Mullen is going to have his hands full next year with the great receivers in the AFC West, so he will need to make a big jump from last season.
Cornerback: Damon Arnette
One of the biggest surprises in the first round came from the Raiders, which should not be a surprise at all. The Raiders selected Ohio State’s Damon Arnette, an underrated corner who played extremely well for Ohio State, never giving up more than one touchdown per season.
Slot Cornerback: Lamarcus Joyner
Lamarcus Joyner had a bit of a disappointing season in 2019, and it seems as if the Raiders have not figured out where to put him on the field. It is possible that we see Joyner back at free safety like he played for the Rams, but with all of the free agents the team brought in, he will likely stay helping out at corner.
Strong Safety: Damarious Randall
The starting strong safety for next season is up for grabs, as Damarious Randall and Erik Harris will be battling it out for the spot. As of now, I have Randall as the starter, and even though he struggled a bit last season, I think he will thrive outside of Cleveland.
Free Safety: Johnathan Abram
If Johnathan Abram can stay healthy, he has the potential to be one of the most terrifying safeties in the league. The heavy-hitting safety plays with so much energy and toughness that he may need to be pulled back a bit to prevent further injury.