3 Most important Las Vegas Raiders rookies in 2020
By Matt Holder
Damon Arnette
The recent addition of Prince Amukamara certainly takes some pressure off Damon Arnette’s shoulders. Amukamara brings a veteran presence to an extremely young position group for the Silver and Black, and he is only a year removed from an impressive campaign where he allowed a mere 6.8 yards per target and a 75.3 passer rating. However, the former Bear is on the wrong side of 30 and coming off down season.
That leaves the door open for Arnette to take over the starting spot early, which could mean Amukamara is left off the 53-man roster. Per ESPN’s Field Yates, the nine-year veteran’s contract carries a Week One roster bonus that obviously, the Raiders would save if he fails to make the squad. Granted, the salary cap savings would be relatively small – only $837,500 per OverTheCap.com – but the question arises of why the organization would include the incentive if he’s a lock to make the roster?
If the rookie does take command of position early on and the veteran is let go, that leaves Las Vegas with one cornerback, Nevin Lawson, who has starting experience behind him. Given that Lawson is suspended to start the year and has never been more than an average player, he’s no guarantee to make the roster either. This means Arnette would be leading a group of inexperienced/unproven players at one of the most important defensive positions.
Even if Amukara does take control of the starting spot early on, the first-round pick will still play an important role on the defense. The AFC West is rather deep at wide receiver with Mike Williams, Mecole Hardman, and Jerry Jeudy serving as number two options, meaning the Raiders will need multiple defensive backs to step up to be competitive in the division.
Also, Las Vegas will play New Orleans, Buffalo, Tampa Bay, and Cleveland this season, all of whom have at least two wideouts who can wreak havoc on opposing defenses. In other words, whether he’s the second or third corner on the roster, Arnette will play a vital role in 2020.