Las Vegas Raiders 2020 Rookie Roles: Offensive Guard John Simpson
Las Vegas Raiders 2020 Rookie Roles: Offensive Guard John Simpson
Role in 2020
With the skill and ability that Simpson possesses, he has been projected as an eventual starter in the NFL. Luckily for the Raiders they have enough current talent to let him learn and fill in at a reserve roll until he is ready to step in full time.
Many feel that the Raiders got a steal snagging him in the 4th round, as some had him graded as high as a 2nd round pick .
The way the Raiders current situation sits, they have a talented player in Gabe Jackson and veteran Richie Incognito starting at the guard position. Though both players are the clear cut starters as it stands, there is some question marks surrounding both of them when it comes to their long-term status with the team.
Jackson, who is set to make $9.6 million this year, has been injury prone, and would not accrue any dead money if cut or traded. While Incognito has been a surprise bright spot since putting on a Raiders uniform, he is 37-years old, and the amount of seasons he has left has yet to be determined.
The Raiders also re-signed Denzelle Good, who has played well when needed to fill in, and has full-time starter capabilities. They also brought back Jordan Devey and signed Eric Kush in free agency for depth and backup rolls.
With a combination of talented starters, and a veteran presence in front of him at the position, Simpson is poised to fit into a backup roll as he learns and works to perfect his craft. The Raiders have set up a situation where they don’t have to rely on him to come in and start from day one, which I believe will benefit both him and the team in the long run.
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We could very well be looking at a cornerstone of the offensive line to help bolster the run game and pair with the other young, talented player the Raiders have across their front five. Kolton Miller is entering his third season, and Trent Brown is still in his 20s, so the Raiders have a nucleus, while Rodney Hudson is still in his prime.