The Las Vegas Raiders were supposed to be ushering in a new era for the city alongside the league with the 2020 NFL Draft.
Unfortunately, the restrictions placed in response to the coronavirus (COVID-9) pandemic have limited this year’s events to a remote location. As a result, the onus will fall squarely on the Raiders to help kick things off in style for Sin City.
Fortunately, they have more than enough resources to make a few headlines on the first day of the draft since they currently own the 12th and 19th overall picks. Although there is still plenty of speculation regarding which direction they will go in, it is safe to say that they are in position to bring in a couple of immediate, impact players to help them kick off the 2020 NFL season at Allegiant Stadium in style.
The Raiders will not have a pick in the second round after it was included in the deal that shipped away Khalil Mack and netted them all their extra first-round picks over the last two years. Fortunately, this will give them some time to re-work the draft board heading into a third-round, where they have a total of three picks featuring two back-to-back at Nos. 80 and 81.
Las Vegas will have just two picks to work with on the final day of the draft with a fourth and fifth-rounder. The onus will fall on general manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden to imitate the same success they enjoyed in the later rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft when they found a few hidden gems in defensive end Maxx Crosby and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow.
Here is a complete schedule with start times and TV info. for the 2020 NFL Draft:
Thursday, April 23
First Round, 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET (ABC,ESPN,NFL Network)
Friday, April 24
Rounds 2-3, 7 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET (ABC,ESPN,NFL Network)
Saturday, April 25
Rounds 4-7, 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET (ABC,ESPN,NFL Network)
