Getty
New Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette.
Everyone knew going into the 2020 NFL Draft that the Las Vegas Raiders wanted assist at cornerback. There have been numerous methods the staff may’ve gone with their second first-round decide, however they determined to shock the world and take Damon Arnette out of Ohio State. He was a productive starter for the Buckeyes, however most had him getting drafted within the second or third spherical. The Raiders clearly didn’t see it that means and common supervisor Mike Mayock claimed the staff didn’t even attempt to commerce again and take Arnette later.
Regardless, the Raiders have been capable of handle one among their greatest wants. Whereas not everyone is completely offered on the transfer, Corridor of Fame extensive receiver Tim Brown despatched a powerful message to the incoming rookie.
As Brown identified, each Arnette and he are from Dallas, Texas. The final time the Raiders took a Dallas native within the first spherical, he turned one of the crucial productive extensive receivers in NFL historical past. Arnette seems greater than prepared to attempt to dwell as much as Brown’s title.
Vikings Had been Gunning for Arnette
Whereas it’s simple to argue that the Raiders reached for Arnette within the first spherical as a result of media pundits deemed it so, it’s unknown how different NFL groups felt in regards to the cornerbacks. It’s attainable different groups have been planning on taking Arnette sooner or later within the first spherical. It’s unclear if the Minnesota Vikings have been among the many groups who would’ve taken him early, however in accordance with Courtney Cronin, they “cherished” the cornerback.
Minnesota ended up selecting three spots after the Raiders and took a large receiver. They in all probability wouldn’t have taken Arnette with that decide, however Las Vegas didn’t have a second-round decide. They may’ve missed out on him altogether had they not “reached” for him within the first spherical.
Comply with the Heavy on Las Vegas Raiders Fb web page for the newest breaking information, rumors and content material!
Arnette Is Sooner Than His 40 Time
The largest knock on Arnette is that his 40-yard sprint time was not very spectacular at 4.56. Couple with the truth that he’ll be 24 when the season begins and he’s not very tall and it’s simple to know why there are issues about drafting him within the first spherical. Nevertheless, his 40 time may be deceptive. In response to NFL Corridor of Famer Cris Carter, Arnette is quicker than we’ve been led to imagine.
“He’s received higher sport pace than he confirmed on the mix,” Carter stated of Arnette. “He was coping with a pair issues. He had a hamstring and a again subject that I imagine he runs lots quicker than that mix time.”
If he's really quicker than his numbers would point out, then the Raiders have much less to fret about. Arnette’s tape speaks for itself. He’s a really aggressive participant and twitchy. He’s precisely what you'd anticipate from a Raiders cornerback. Teaming him up with Johnathan Abram and Amik Robertson within the defensive backfield and the staff has swagger for days. One other factor working in Arnette’s favor is that he has a ton of expertise. He might not have the upside of another rookie cornerbacks, he needs to be able to see motion on Sunday’s nearly instantly and may very well be a day one starter.
READ NEXT: Raiders Lower Veteran Operating Again to Make Room for Signings
Post a Comment