Las Vegas Raiders: 5 pressing questions heading into training camp

What’s Damon Arnette’s Learning Curve?

The Raiders gave themselves a cushion at cornerback, signing 10th-year veteran Prince Amukamara. He’s started in 99 out of 113 games for his career.

At 6’0″, 204 pounds, Amukamara can line up opposite bigger receivers in man coverage. He’s also a savvy cover defender who’s had his hands on the ball in recent seasons, breaking up 22 passes since 2018.

Amukamara’s knowledge of the game can help Trayvon Mullen and Damon Arnette as they grow into their roles at the position.

Because of limited offseason practices, Arnette may follow the same pathway as Mullen, starting the season in a reserve role.

Midway through the 2019 term, the Raiders traded Gareon Conley, which opened the door for Mullen to start on the boundary. Arnette may take a little longer to crack the opening lineup if Amukamara plays at a high level.

Nevertheless, NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks thinks Arnette can flourish as the backside cornerback once he takes the field (h/t Matt Howe of 247Sports)

“I saw him as a fringe first-rounder, more like a second-round player,” Brooks said on the Move the Sticks podcast. “But here’s what I liked about him. I think he’s solid in how he plays. From a technique standpoint, I think he has those things. I think he’s tough. He’ll tackle on the perimeter. He does a great job when he’s locked up in man-to-man. In my mind, he’s an ideal No. 2 corner.”

If Arnette doesn’t play in a key role that could say more about a high-quality veteran than a raw but talented rookie, so exercise some patience with the Ohio State product’s workload.