Las Vegas Raiders: Grading the 2020 Draft class after Year 2

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 26: Cornerback Damon Arnette #20 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Round 1, Pick 19: Damon Arnette, CB

Sticking to tradition, the Raiders front office befuddled the NFL world with the selection of Damon Arnette with their second 1st round pick. I actually had Arnette ranked higher than Trevon Diggs, Noah Igbinoghene, Bryce Hall, and Jeff Gladney, but I was in the minority and for good reason looking back.

As a corner who excelled in zone looks, Diggs fit in Guenther’s cover 3 system more so than Arnette who was a man corner did, and he just came off of an 11 int season. Arnette, on the other hand, finished his rookie year as one of the worst corners in the entire league according to PFF who gave him a 41.7 grade.

Things didn’t get any better for Arnette in the 2021-22 season, in fact, he didn’t even start any of the four games he participated in for Las Vegas. To put the cherry on top, he was released due to leaked footage of him making death threats after those four weeks.

The worst part about it is the fact that Mayock himself admitted he had concerns about the character of Arnette, but thought he was worth the risk. That is two-first round picks both released due to off-the-field antics, selected by a front office that claimed to emphasize bringing in “high character” guys.

2020 Performance Grade: F
2021 Performance Grade: F
Pick Grade: F

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