Las Vegas Raiders: 3 positions to target in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft
By Seth Carlson
With the Las Vegas Raiders having two picks in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft and a flush of talent at multiple positions, here are three that could make sense come draft day.
It’s been a transformative two seasons for Las Vegas Raiders since Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock have taken over, completely revamping the team’s roster with players who fit their “identity.”
In 2019, the team had three first-round selections, using two on defense and one on offense. It would be safe to say the pick they used on offense, running back Josh Jacobs, delivered massively for the team.
The now second-year tailback out of Alabama rushed for 1150 yards on 242 attempts for an average of nearly five yards per carry during his rookie season — one that would have him finish second in voting for 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year to Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.
However, it wasn’t as rosy on defense for the Raiders in last year’s first round, with 2019 No. 4 overall pick, defensive end Clelin Ferrell, amassing just 4.5 sacks over 15 games played as a rookie and No. 27 overall pick, safety Johnathan Abram, starting just one game before suffering torn rotator cuff and labrum injuries.
Though the 2019 team received important contributions from players drafted in later rounds like Trayvon Mullen, Maxx Crosby, and Hunter Renfrow, it’s crucial that the team starts off a new era in Las Vegas with a strong first round in 2020.
Here’s a list of three positions where the Raiders can maximize the potential caliber of players they draft with their two picks in the first round this year.