Revisiting the nightmare that was the Las Vegas Raiders 2020 NFL Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders had high hopes going into the 2020 NFL Draft, but that haul has become a downright nightmare.

In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Raiders do not pick until the third round. Back in 2020 however, the newly christened Las Vegas Raiders had two selections in the first round. A class that is known for its controversy, this is how it looks two years later.

Going into the 2020 NFL Draft the Raiders were fresh off a disappointing 2019 season. Sitting at 6-4 after a win against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Silver and Black were a real threat to make the playoffs. Alas, they would finish the season 7-9 and on the outside looking in.

Despite the late-season collapse, the Raiders’ future was bright. This was mostly due to the historic production they received from their rookie class. First-round pick Josh Jacobs was a rookie of the year contender, Maxx Crosby had double-digit sacks and Trayvon Mullen became a starter by season’s end.

After the Antonio Brown debacle, the Raiders’ biggest need came at wide receiver. Lucky for them, the 2020 class was loaded at the position with six going in round one. Of course, quarterbacks stole the show with Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, and Justin Herbert being selected in the top ten. While their first pick came at twelve, they also owned the nineteenth overall selection courtesy of the Khalil Mack trade.