Las Vegas Raiders: In-depth scouting report of 1st-round pick Damon Arnette
By Nico Di Fede
Tape Breakdown
Indiana (2019)
Targeted Snaps: 1:01, 1:14, 1:45, 2:13, 2:30, 4:10, 5:27, 6:20, 6:52, 7:00
Overview: Was targeted 10 times and gave up only three catches for 30 yards. He also had two deflections and a pick-six. While his footwork at the line of scrimmage was not the crispest or quickest, he was extremely physical and is clearly a savvy defender.
He was a little too physical though and was called for a pass interference to go along with other plays where in the NFL he likely would of been called for a hold.
The biggest concern in this one other than that was how receivers usually beat him out of their release, but, he recovered and was able to be sticky in coverage throughout the game.
Showed his ball skills with the two deflections and his interception was in zone where he made the perfect break on to the ball to take it to the house on a 96-yard return.
Grade: A-
Michigan State (2019)
Targeted Snaps: 0:08, 0:52, 1:52, 4:03
Overview: Gave up one catch on five targets. On that solo catch allowed, he ended up stripping the ball away and forcing the turnover. He looked faster, quicker, and just overall smoother in this one.
Like he was against Indiana, he was once again extremely physical with receivers. He wasn’t called for any penalties but again, there were a couple of plays where he likely would of been in the NFL.
On the flip-side I like how he attacked the ball in this one, doesn’t let up until the receiver is on the ground. Solid game for Arnette.
Grade: A-
Clemson (2019 College Football Playoff)
Targeted Snaps: 0:33, 1:04, 3:47, 3:54, 4:06, 4:47, 6:50
Overview: Was targeted seven times and gave up three catches for 29 yards and no touchdowns. Arnette gave up no touchdowns but did commit a holding penalty.
Those numbers alone are impressive when you consider the talent on the other side of the ball, but they are even more impressive when you dig deeper into them.
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One of the catches “given up” was on 3rd-and-10 and while Arnette was playing off-man — the receiver ran a quick route. The whole point of off-man is too give cushion to the underneath to be safe over the top and he closed in quick and made the tackle for only a three-yard gain.
The other two catches given up were on inside slants. On one he turned the wrong shoulder, the other he guessed the receiver’s route but guessed wrong and got beat, but only for a 12-yard gain.
This game was really impressive for Arnette since he played well and played well in a mixture of press-man, off-man and zone.