It’s here. It’s finally here. The 2020 NFL Draft is upon us, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that the future of the Las Vegas Raiders franchise hinges to a large degree on what happens tonight. With two first-round picks and three more in the third round, it’s not unrealistic to assume that the Raiders are capable of adding 3-4 true difference makers — both for this season and for the future.
On a roster flush with holes and needs, they simply cannot miss. Also, it doesn’t hurt that this draft is loaded at a number of positions that the Raiders are desperate for (namely wide receiver, where the Raiders could even double-dip). So here’s the plan for this mock draft: it’s going to be a combination of predictions, dream scenarios and what I would do.
In some ways, it’s a cop-out and an opportunity for me to combine a few different ideas into one mock — but it’s also creating space for each unique possibility. So here’s the breakdown:
Dream scenario: this is a world that I don’t think is impossible, it’s just incredibly unlikely. We’re not talking about Joe Burrow or Chase Young lasting to No. 12, but rather something that’s within the world of mock draft possibilities.
Prediction: what do I think actually happens at each pick?
Jeff’s Pick: what would I do if I were in charge?
No. 12
Dream Scenario: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
The Raiders need difference-makers on defense, and Brown will make everyone around him better. He’s not an absolute need, but he’s an elite talent that would be too good to pass up.
Prediction: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
He’s not my top receiver, but the rumblings around the league are that the Raiders like him. Plus, we know that Jon Gruden isn’t going to let this pick pass without drafting an offensive weapon for himself.
My pick: CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
The drop-off between Henderson and the next batch of corners is significant enough to make me wait on a deep receiver class. It’s a risk to pass knowing that Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and Lamb will all likely be off the board at 19 — but I’ll take my chances.
No. 19
Dream Scenario: TRADE with Colts for No. 34 and No. 44
The Colts get desperate for Jordan Love or one of their top receivers and offer both of their second-round picks. Mike Mayock can’t say ‘yes’ quickly enough, scooping up the extra draft capital. On Day 2, Mayock turns these picks into Denzel Mims and Kristian Fulton. How about Brown/Mims/Fulton for a haul, huh?
Prediction: AJ Terrell, CB, Clemson
Gruden and Mayock can’t help themselves. Terrell is the type of corner Paul Guenther loves — even if he’s not a finished product — not to mention he played in the 2018 National Title game that the Raiders were so enamored with. I don’t totally love this pick as it feels like a reach (I’d prefer Jaylon Johnson to Terrell), but at least it’s at a position of need.
My pick: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
If a trade isn’t out there, and with cornerback addressed at No. 12, we turn to our gaping hole at receiver. Jefferson is a lot like Jeudy — my No. 1 receiver — and while the top three guys are gone, Jefferson is still a high-level talent that will be a difference maker.
No. 80
James Lynch, DT, Baylor
With the rest of the picks, I’m just going to include what I would do (within reason, of course). I’m not sure Lynch gets past his former coach in the third round but this feels like a Mayock type of guy. The defensive line is always in need of reinforcements, and Lynch is a high-level player still available here.
No. 81
Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
Jefferson was great at the Senior Bowl, and the Raiders need more than one difference-maker to add to their offense. After missing the combine due to an injury, Jefferson may slip a bit, giving the Raiders a second new weapon for Derek Carr.
No. 91
Terrell Burgess, S, Utah
Here’s what Dane Brugler said about Burgess in his latest mock draft: “I haven’t talked to Mike Mayock specifically about Burgess, but I would bet good money he has a high grade on Burgess. A former defensive back himself, Mayock has an understandable affinity for smart, tough safeties who can cover – this would be a great fit for both sides.” The Raiders need a long-term answer at safety, and so maybe that’s Burgess.
No. 121
Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
Bit of a homer pick from me (as an Oregon alum), but I love everything about Dye — and if he’s still on the board here, he offers the team some depth at a position that needs it. Their starters are all set, but they need rotational guys and Dye can play any of the three linebacker positions.
No. 159
KeShawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt
The Raiders need another running back to add to their existing room of Josh Jacobs and Jalen Richard. Vaughn, who is 5’10” and 214 pounds, would add some bulk to the group — giving them a guy who can allow Jacobs to catch a breath every once in a while while still beating up on the defense inside.
