The Las Vegas Raiders selected Clemson guard John Simpson and Lousiana Tech cornerback Amik Robertson on Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Raiders originally had three picks on Day 3, but gave up Nos. 121 and 172 to move up to 109 to take Simpson in the third round.
It’s no secret that the Raiders love Clemson players after drafting Clelin Ferrell, Trayvon Mullen and Hunter Renfrow a year ago, and now Tanner Muse and Simpson this year.
Simpson played left guard at Clemson and gives the Raiders even more offensive line depth, which is arguably their biggest strength on the roster.
The addition of Simpson could signal the end of Gabe Jackson’s time with the Raiders. His name has been in trade rumors all offseason, and the Raiders could potentially free up some salary cap space and gain another late-round pick by trading him.
With Richie Incognito, Eric Kush, Denzelle Good and Jordan Devey all on the roster, the Raiders have tremendous depth at the guard position.
Another thing that wasn’t a secret coming into this draft is that the Raiders needed help at cornerback, and they are getting that in Robertson in addition to first-round pick Damon Arnette.
Robertson lacks size at just 5’8″, but he is the exact type of tough player that Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden value at the cornerback position.
In 12 games for Louisiana Tech last season, Robertson had 60 total tackles, five interceptions, 16 passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He and Arnette should both get an opportunity to earn the starting job opposite of Mullen in what should be a much-improved Raiders defense.
