Predicting the short-term and long-term impact of Raiders rookie class

TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 14: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after pulling in a touchdown reception against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 14: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after pulling in a touchdown reception against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Raiders draft pick John Simpson (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Predicting the short-term and long-term impact of Raiders rookie class

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

To say the Raiders got a steal in the fourth round out be an understatement when it comes to John Simpson, who could end up being a cornerstone on this offensive line for years to come. In his final season at Clemson, Simpson was an All-American, and was widely rated as a top-5 interior lineman in the 2020 draft class.

In 2020, Simpson is going to sit behind veterans Richie Incognito and Gabe Jackson, and that could end up being the best thing that has ever happened to him. He recently stated that he models his game after Incognito, who came to the Raiders in 2019 after sitting out a season, and played at a Pro Bowl level.

In Simpson, the Raiders dipped back into the Clemson talent pool, and he is someone who is big, agile, and strong. Mayock has made it a priority to revamp the offensive and defensive lines since becoming the Raiders general manager, and Simpson was definitely a long-term play in round four.

  • Short-Term: Backup both Richie Incognito and Gabe Jackson as a rookie
  • Long-Term: Cornerstone offensive guard, Pro Bowl-caliber player