Las Vegas Raiders: Expectations for rookies in 2020

2. Damon Arnette, CB

Expectation: Starting CB opposite Trayvon Mullen early on

The Raiders used their second of two first-round draft picks on Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette, who was somewhat of a surprising first-rounder after a pretty bad Scouting Combine workout despite having strong tape at Ohio State.

The Raiders banked on the tape.

Running a 4.56 is not a deal-breaker for a cornerback in the NFL, but it’s definitely concerning. Still, despite Arnette’s lack of tremendous workout numbers, the Raiders have to be anticipating he will be their starting cornerback opposite Trayvon Mullen sooner rather than later.

Even though the Raiders signed Prince Amukamara as a free agent who is capable of starting, you invested a first-round pick in Damon Arnette with the expectation that he will be an instant starter.

He may have to take some lumps along the way, but Mullen is proof that players can take those lumps and improve tremendously over the course of a season.