Las Vegas Raiders find impact starters in this 7-round 2020 NFL mock draft

Round 1

Projected Starters: Trayvon Mullen, Eli Apple

Posting one of the most impressive combine performances of the 2020 NFL Combine, C.J. Henderson has flown up draft boards to become a clear number two to Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah. Henderson is a versatile corner with the athleticism to play man or zone coverage and only lacks the size to play bump and run coverage with the more physical receivers he will be facing at the next level.

After a spending spree this free agency period, no signings at corner suggest Gruden and company are holding out to draft their lead defensive back in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. Henderson would be a perfect number one corner to lead this secondary and be the future of the defensive unit.

*Via CHI

Projected Starters: Tyrell Williams, Hunter Renfrow, Nelson Agholor

Outside of Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller, Derek Carr lacked any consistent passing weapons, especially down the field. Even with these receivers who aren’t the best suited for creating separation vertically, Carr managed to be one of the best deep-ball quarterbacks in the NFL. A speedy solution on the exterior who can also make plays after the catch could be the perfect solution.

Becoming the talk of the combine with the fastest forty-time among prospects, Henry Ruggs III ran a 4.27-forty and established his burner-speed despite being “disappointed” by his performance.

Many receivers to come through the draft as the ‘fastest man’ (ex: Darius Heyward-Bay, John Ross, etc) have lacked some of the other essential characteristics to become leading receivers. While he was overshadowed by fellow Alabama receiver Jerry Jeudy, Ruggs still showed the ability to create separation and consistent hands on a variety of concepts within the route tree. He is a complete player at the wide receiver position who could quickly become a major playmaker.