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

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 14: Cornerback Damon Arnette #20 of the Las Vegas Raiders talks with general manager Mike Mayock after the team's 20-7 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 14: Cornerback Damon Arnette #20 of the Las Vegas Raiders talks with general manager Mike Mayock after the team's 20-7 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 02: John Simpson #76 of the Las Vegas Raiders walks off the field after a win over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 02, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 02: John Simpson #76 of the Las Vegas Raiders walks off the field after a win over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 02, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Round 4, Pick 109: John Simpson, OG

Like Bryan Edwards, offensive guard John Simpson was also almost universally praised as a good pick at the 109 spot for the Raiders at the time of the draft.

Simpson was thought of as a safe pick. The Clemson product started his final two seasons with the Tigers and earned All-American honors his senior year. Fast forward to his rookie campaign, Simpson would see action in seven games but only started two, and his play on the field was not as advertised. This resulted in a putrid 45.8 grade from PFF.

This past season Simpson started all 17 games, and once again, his play was subpar at the left guard spot. He allowed three sacks which isn’t too bad but committed ten penalties; the 7th most in the league. He finished the season with a PFF grade of 52.9.

As I said, Simpson was thought of as a safe pick in the fourth round, some even thought he may go in the third, however, front offices are supposed to know more than fans or analysts do, so the fact that he seemed like a good selection at the time means nothing. He did last all the way to the 5th for a reason.

  • 2020 Performance Grade: C-
  • 2021 Performance Grade: D
  • Pick Grade: D+