The Raiders head into the 2020 season very excited about their prospects after winning more games than anticipated. There's an obvious need for a playmaker at WR but most of RaiderNation is expecting a defensive heavy draft. With that said, this mock draft is my perspective of what I would do in the 2020 NFL Draft based on the current offensive and defensive systems with an emphasis on getting BPA value. I hope you enjoy and provide feedback. Thanks for reading.
Round 1.12: #12th Overall
Alabama WR Henry Ruggs
Ht: 5'11" Wt: 188lbs Arms: 30½" Hands: 10⅛" Vert: 42" 40: 4.27
2020 Outlook: Starting X WR
NFL Comparison: Eagles WR Desean Jackson
There's good reason why Ruggs is rising on draft boards. While CeeDee and Juedy are dynamic in their own right, Ruggs has analytics that are off the charts. His 40 time and vertical combination are generational. His collegiate drop rate was a ridiculous 2.4%. My comparison for Ruggs is Desean Jackson. Ruggs has a slight frame but I think he'll be able to do much more than just take the top off the defense.
Some will suggest that Ruggs would be miscast in the Raiders' dink and dunk offense (be it by offensive philosophy or conservative QB play) but in my opinion Ruggs has the ability to take bubble screens, short slants and drag routes to the house on any occasion. That is why I believe the Raider's will shake up the draft by taking Ruggs at 12th overall and possibly making him the first WR off the board. Obviously, Juedy and Lamb have larger sample sizes but I'm sure the Raiders are analyzing which of the big 3 are best for them.
Alabama WR Henry Ruggs
Ht: 5'11" Wt: 188lbs Arms: 30½" Hands: 10⅛" Vert: 42" 40: 4.27
2020 Outlook: Starting X WR
NFL Comparison: Eagles WR Desean Jackson
There's good reason why Ruggs is rising on draft boards. While CeeDee and Juedy are dynamic in their own right, Ruggs has analytics that are off the charts. His 40 time and vertical combination are generational. His collegiate drop rate was a ridiculous 2.4%. My comparison for Ruggs is Desean Jackson. Ruggs has a slight frame but I think he'll be able to do much more than just take the top off the defense.
Some will suggest that Ruggs would be miscast in the Raiders' dink and dunk offense (be it by offensive philosophy or conservative QB play) but in my opinion Ruggs has the ability to take bubble screens, short slants and drag routes to the house on any occasion. That is why I believe the Raider's will shake up the draft by taking Ruggs at 12th overall and possibly making him the first WR off the board. Obviously, Juedy and Lamb have larger sample sizes but I'm sure the Raiders are analyzing which of the big 3 are best for them.
After trading out of the 1st round before the draft, the Colts trade back into the 1st to grab their QB of the future. After fielding a historically bad defense in 2019 the Raiders need a multitude of picks to address all the holes.
***TRADE***
Round 2.2: #34th Overall (via
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)Round 2.12: #44th Overall (via )Round 1.19: #19th Overall (via 
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Round 2.2: #34th Overall (via )
Minnesota FS Antoine Winfield Jr.
Ht: 5'09⅛" Wt: 203lbs Arms: 30⅛" Hands: 9½" 40: 4.45
2019 Outlook: Starting FS
NFL Comparison: N/A
There are two obvious questions.
One: How does Winfield fall to the 2nd round? He may go higher but this the range where I would project Winfield to be drafted based on his analytics. Winfield has quality measurables but he doesn't possess the athleticism of Bob Sanders (41.5" vert, 6.7 3-cone) or the range of Earl Thomas (4.37 Pro day 40), who are also safeties of similar stature. Who knows though, former Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie drafted notably short stature safety Karl Joseph in the 1st round in 2016. Perhaps Mckenzie reaches again on a short safety for Miami.
Two: Would the Raiders be inclined to draft another short safety early in the draft? Short answer, yes (pun unintended). Winfield and Joseph have two completely different sill sets. With respect to a defensive scheme where the safeties are interchangeable, Joseph is an in-the-box SS; Winfield is a free safety with ball skills.
Defending bigger TEs has LONG been the bane of Raider Nation. Across multiple coaching staffs the Raiders have failed to solve the TE defense puzzle. Since we are discussing stature, Winfield will probably struggle 1v1 vs bigger divisional TEs like Kelce & Hunter but the Raiders also signed two coverage LBs who could potentially take over this role.
The Raiders aggressively went after 49ers FS Jimmie Ward in free agency to no avail. Ward, surprisingly took less money, to return to San Francisco. I would imagine the Raiders will do something in the draft to affirmatively address the FS position.
)Minnesota FS Antoine Winfield Jr.
Ht: 5'09⅛" Wt: 203lbs Arms: 30⅛" Hands: 9½" 40: 4.45
2019 Outlook: Starting FS
NFL Comparison: N/A
There are two obvious questions.
One: How does Winfield fall to the 2nd round? He may go higher but this the range where I would project Winfield to be drafted based on his analytics. Winfield has quality measurables but he doesn't possess the athleticism of Bob Sanders (41.5" vert, 6.7 3-cone) or the range of Earl Thomas (4.37 Pro day 40), who are also safeties of similar stature. Who knows though, former Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie drafted notably short stature safety Karl Joseph in the 1st round in 2016. Perhaps Mckenzie reaches again on a short safety for Miami.
Two: Would the Raiders be inclined to draft another short safety early in the draft? Short answer, yes (pun unintended). Winfield and Joseph have two completely different sill sets. With respect to a defensive scheme where the safeties are interchangeable, Joseph is an in-the-box SS; Winfield is a free safety with ball skills.
Defending bigger TEs has LONG been the bane of Raider Nation. Across multiple coaching staffs the Raiders have failed to solve the TE defense puzzle. Since we are discussing stature, Winfield will probably struggle 1v1 vs bigger divisional TEs like Kelce & Hunter but the Raiders also signed two coverage LBs who could potentially take over this role.
The Raiders aggressively went after 49ers FS Jimmie Ward in free agency to no avail. Ward, surprisingly took less money, to return to San Francisco. I would imagine the Raiders will do something in the draft to affirmatively address the FS position.
Round 2.12: #44th Overall (via )
Clemson CB AJ Terrell
Ht: 6'01⅛" Wt: 195lbs Arms: 31¼" Hands: 9" 40: 4.42
2020 Outlook: Starting LCB
NFL Comparison: Raiders CB Trayvon Mullen
It should come as no surprise that every mock draft has the Raider's drafting a CB. Afterall, there's a gaping hole across from CB Trayvon Mullen. A premium cornerback is expensive in free agency and despite having a healthy amount of cap space it went quickly filling numerous holes.
Historical analytical trends would suggest that a prototypical Paul Guenther CB, going back through his time in Cincinnati, would be long, physical and possessing the toughness to tackle from the edge. AJ Terrell possesses all of these traits. I really like Terrell as a prospect. However, like Mullen, he's grabby (i.e. holding). There will be growing pains so hopefully the Raiders don't reach on Terrell because if he's taken too high fans might have unrealistic expectations.
)Clemson CB AJ Terrell
Ht: 6'01⅛" Wt: 195lbs Arms: 31¼" Hands: 9" 40: 4.42
2020 Outlook: Starting LCB
NFL Comparison: Raiders CB Trayvon Mullen
It should come as no surprise that every mock draft has the Raider's drafting a CB. Afterall, there's a gaping hole across from CB Trayvon Mullen. A premium cornerback is expensive in free agency and despite having a healthy amount of cap space it went quickly filling numerous holes.
Historical analytical trends would suggest that a prototypical Paul Guenther CB, going back through his time in Cincinnati, would be long, physical and possessing the toughness to tackle from the edge. AJ Terrell possesses all of these traits. I really like Terrell as a prospect. However, like Mullen, he's grabby (i.e. holding). There will be growing pains so hopefully the Raiders don't reach on Terrell because if he's taken too high fans might have unrealistic expectations.
Round 3.16: #80th Overall
Florida DE/OLB Jabari Zuniga
Ht: 6'03⅜" Wt: 264lbs Arms: 32⅞" Hands: 10⅜" 40: 4.64
2020 Outlook: Developmental SAM LB
NFL Comparison: Bengals DE/OLB Carl Lawson
Zuniga is an enigma. Is he a DE, 34 OLB or SAM LB in a 43? Does he have a true position at the highest level of football?
Much of Zuniga's draft projection is based on potential. Analytically, Zuniga has amazing traits but he's failed to translate those traits into production consistently. He shoots gaps well but isn't very stout at the point of attack. Ultimately, Zuniga might be more effective at SAM LB, where in Paul Guenther's defense Guenther could selectively place Zuniga in matchups he can win.
In Guenther's time with the Bengals on multiple occasions they tried to convert DE's, with skills sets similar to Zuniga's, to a 43 SAM LB ('05 David Pollack, '17 Carl Lawson). In addition, Guenther likes bigger LB's in the 250lbs range (Mualuga, Burfict) that can take on offensive linemen and be stout in the run game. I believe these traits play to Zuniga's strengths.
Florida DE/OLB Jabari Zuniga
Ht: 6'03⅜" Wt: 264lbs Arms: 32⅞" Hands: 10⅜" 40: 4.64
2020 Outlook: Developmental SAM LB
NFL Comparison: Bengals DE/OLB Carl Lawson
Zuniga is an enigma. Is he a DE, 34 OLB or SAM LB in a 43? Does he have a true position at the highest level of football?
Much of Zuniga's draft projection is based on potential. Analytically, Zuniga has amazing traits but he's failed to translate those traits into production consistently. He shoots gaps well but isn't very stout at the point of attack. Ultimately, Zuniga might be more effective at SAM LB, where in Paul Guenther's defense Guenther could selectively place Zuniga in matchups he can win.
In Guenther's time with the Bengals on multiple occasions they tried to convert DE's, with skills sets similar to Zuniga's, to a 43 SAM LB ('05 David Pollack, '17 Carl Lawson). In addition, Guenther likes bigger LB's in the 250lbs range (Mualuga, Burfict) that can take on offensive linemen and be stout in the run game. I believe these traits play to Zuniga's strengths.
Round 3.17: #81st Overall (via 
)
USC WR Michael Pittman Jr.
Ht: 6'04"" Wt: 223lbs Arms: 32½" Hands: 9¼ 40: 4.52
2019 Outlook: Backup Z WR
NFL Comparison: N/A
After WR Antonio Brown quit and Tyrell Williams got hurt the Raiders WR corps lacked a dynamic WR that could create space and separation. Hence, it should come as no surprise that many are speculating that the Raiders could double dip at WR with the 2020 NFL Draft being so deep at WR.
Pittman is one of my favorite value picks of the class. Pittman is the consummate possession WR. He's tough, big bodied, long and has a wide catch radius. Pittman would be excellent depth behind Williams.
)USC WR Michael Pittman Jr.
Ht: 6'04"" Wt: 223lbs Arms: 32½" Hands: 9¼ 40: 4.52
2019 Outlook: Backup Z WR
NFL Comparison: N/A
After WR Antonio Brown quit and Tyrell Williams got hurt the Raiders WR corps lacked a dynamic WR that could create space and separation. Hence, it should come as no surprise that many are speculating that the Raiders could double dip at WR with the 2020 NFL Draft being so deep at WR.
Pittman is one of my favorite value picks of the class. Pittman is the consummate possession WR. He's tough, big bodied, long and has a wide catch radius. Pittman would be excellent depth behind Williams.
Round 4.15: #111th Overall
Utah DT Leki Fotu
Ht: 6'05⅜" Wt: 330lbs Arms: 34¼" Hands: 10⅝ 40: 5.15
2019 Outlook: Rotational NT
NFL Comparison: Former Bengals NT Domata Peko
Over-drafting NTs in mock drafts is one of the strongest analytical trends of the NFL Draft. Draftniks get caught up in their incredible size and athleticism and assume their collegiate dominance will translate to the NFL. While the role of a NT is vital to run-defense, it's a thankless job that doesn't pay as well as the "sexy" positions and these behemoths often fall in the actual draft.
Leki Fotu is a mountain of a man who I've seen mocked as high as the 2nd round. You can't coach size but players of this ilk, such as Gabe Watson, Andrew Billings, Renell Wren, and many more were projected to go higher than they actually did. I'm guessing Fotu falls to 4th because... that's where NTs usually get drafted if not later.
Utah DT Leki Fotu
Ht: 6'05⅜" Wt: 330lbs Arms: 34¼" Hands: 10⅝ 40: 5.15
2019 Outlook: Rotational NT
NFL Comparison: Former Bengals NT Domata Peko
Over-drafting NTs in mock drafts is one of the strongest analytical trends of the NFL Draft. Draftniks get caught up in their incredible size and athleticism and assume their collegiate dominance will translate to the NFL. While the role of a NT is vital to run-defense, it's a thankless job that doesn't pay as well as the "sexy" positions and these behemoths often fall in the actual draft.
Leki Fotu is a mountain of a man who I've seen mocked as high as the 2nd round. You can't coach size but players of this ilk, such as Gabe Watson, Andrew Billings, Renell Wren, and many more were projected to go higher than they actually did. I'm guessing Fotu falls to 4th because... that's where NTs usually get drafted if not later.
Round 5.13: #141st Overall
LSU OG Damien Lewis
Ht: 6'02" Wt: 327lbs Arms: 33" Hands: 10¼" 40: 5.24
2019 Outlook: Swing OG
NFL Comparison: Raiders OG Gabe Jackson
LSU OG Damien Lewis is very reminiscent of current Raiders RG Gabe Jackson. Both are heavy-footed road graders who are very scheme specific. Because Lewis wouldn't work for most teams it will cost him in draft evaluations, potentially, making Lewis a great value pick late.
Rumors are swirling that the Raiders may trade Jackson this season and if not Lewis I suspect someone will be brought in as competition.
LSU OG Damien Lewis
Ht: 6'02" Wt: 327lbs Arms: 33" Hands: 10¼" 40: 5.24
2019 Outlook: Swing OG
NFL Comparison: Raiders OG Gabe Jackson
LSU OG Damien Lewis is very reminiscent of current Raiders RG Gabe Jackson. Both are heavy-footed road graders who are very scheme specific. Because Lewis wouldn't work for most teams it will cost him in draft evaluations, potentially, making Lewis a great value pick late.
Rumors are swirling that the Raiders may trade Jackson this season and if not Lewis I suspect someone will be brought in as competition.