2020 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders Draft Report Card
By Ian Higgins
Round 3
28. Scouting Report. Kentucky. 80. ATH. Lynn Bowden Jr. player. Combine Results
Another dynamic playmaker added to Las Vegas’ collection of weapons, Lynn Bowden is one of the most unique offensive prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft. Bowden received the award for the most versatile player in 2019, playing all over the Kentucky offense from receiver to running back, quarterback, and return man.
Carr has his place as the starting quarterback in Las Vegas well cemented, so Bowden will be focusing his effort on developing as a wide receiver and running back.
Bowden is a quick, shifty wide receiver who will be doing his damage from the slot with Hunter Renfrow, each utilizing different tools to create separation. Carrying the football, whether after the catch or on a handoff, Bowden runs like a scatback and is able to shift between rushing lanes and work past defenders on the second level.
At only 199 pounds he is not going to match defenders with power but can sidestep their grasp with his slippery running style.
Jon Gruden and company will have a fantastic time developing a portion of the playbook dedicated to Bowden in a Taysom Hill like way. Between specialized packages and ways to get him into space (similarly to first-round selection Henry Ruggs) though both the air and the ground. Even though Bowden presents other unique qualities to an offense, much of his skillset is also in first-round selection Henry Ruggs. Each can find their role, but Bowden will need to specialize.
Grade: C
South Carolina. Bryan Edwards. 81. player. WR. 28. Instant Analysis. Pick Analysis
A solid 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, Bryan Edwards will fight for the role of ‘size-receiver’ with current Raiders wideout Tyrell Williams. Edwards produced at South Carolina with 71 receptions, 816 yards, and six touchdowns in his senior season.
Using an imposing frame and incredible ball skills at the point of the catch, Edwards can go up and over cornerbacks to make spectacular plays along the boundary and up the seam. Even with a limited route tree, Edwards produced at a high level in South Carolina with his size and hands.
Tyrell Williams still has three years left on his contract, paying approximately $11 million per year. Edwards is a much more inexpensive option that can possibly outperform the veteran in the same role out of the gates, relieving Las Vegas of a cap-eating contract.
Edwards is a red-zone threat who can give a massive target to Derek Carr, similarly to tight end Darren Waller. Neither Ruggs, Renfrow, nor Bowden can physically do what Edwards can, and Waller would be better to stay inside.
Las Vegas is completely revamping their receiving core to complement a running game headed by Josh Jacobs. Now completing the unit with a new, young red-zone threat. If Las Vegas can not find a way out of the Tyrell Williams contract though, Edwards will need to prove his worth by breaking out as a number one wideout alongside Henry Ruggs. Otherwise, Edwards will be regarded as a receiver of the past, using size over speed.
Grade: C
Tanner Muse. Combine Results. S. Clemson. 100. player. 28. Instant Analysis
A workout warrior who impressed scouts with his motor and versatility from strong safety, Muse combined a 4.41 40, 20 bench reps, and a 34.5-inch vertical into a 6-foot-2, 227-pound frame. Muse rolled from strong safety to slot corner and even outside linebacker on a number of occasions, filling a role similar to that in the NFL of an aggressive box-focused strong safety playing underneath the ever so popular cover three defense.
Muse uses his body to tackle with strength and length to bring down ball carriers around the line of scrimmage. Muse did not play much man coverage at Clemson, but in zone coverage, he broke down on the ball with an aggressive mentality.
Las Vegas currently has a stable of safeties, but Muse will be able to carve out his role in this defense. Previous draft selection Johnathan Abrams is the future free safety of this defense, while free-agent signing Damarious Randall may function as a coverage specialist. Former Dallas strong safety Jeff Heath is currently the projected starting strong safety, and with good camps could become Tanner Muse.
Jon Gruden has clearly seen the new trends of the NFL, finding pieces so far in this 2020 NFL Draft to match the modern game of explosiveness and versatility in all three phases of the game. Tanner Muse is not the same athlete as Isaiah Simmons, but can play with his own identity more similar to safety than a linebacker.