Being a fan of any sports team can elicit strong emotions, even from the smallest of changes. In the NFL Draft, every team is under a microscope from their fans from Round 1 to Round 7.
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the NFL has decided to conduct the 2020 NFL Draft virtually as opposed to in Las Vegas. Although the excitement is not as palpable as it normally would be, the Las Vegas Raiders still found a way to make their fans feel. With the 19th pick in the NFL Draft, the Raiders selected Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette.
Many fans and analysts did not expect Arnette to be taken in the first round, leading some to question what Raiders general manager Mike Mayock was thinking. Mayock has supplied an answer to the doubters.
According to Kyle Martin of Raiders.com, Mayock likes his pick because of how highly the team graded Arnette, largely thanks to his athleticism:
“The reason he’s not a reach is because of his grade in our system,” he stated. “Did I think we could have moved down maybe and still got him? Maybe, but we didn’t want to lose him. What distinguishes him is No. 1, he can run. No. 2, he’s tough as nails and when you talk about competitors.”
Even if fans believe the pick is a reach, there is no denying Mayock’s logic. The Raiders were in need of some depth at cornerback and adding some speed to the defense should help against the strong group of wide receivers in the AFC West.
The Raiders did attempt to lure a couple of pro cornerbacks during free agency. One was New Orleans Saints cornerback Eli Apple, who initially signed with the Raiders at the start of free agency but had his deal fall through.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, most NFL draft prospects did not get to work out in person for teams, instead being interviewed by interested teams. Mayock stated that although it was tough not having physicals, he appreciated being able to gauge players’ personalities during the interviews. Mayock’s main priority in interviews was to determine each players passion for the game, meaning Arnette likely impressed his new general manager during their interview.
Arnette is likely to start alongside second-year player Trayvon Mullen. Mullen entered the starting lineup last year after the team traded Gareon Conley to the Houston Texans. He finished with one interception and 10 pass deflections in his rookie year.
