NFL Draft 2020: Damon Arnette a shocking selection by Raiders

With their second pick in the first round, the Las Vegas Raiders drafted Damon Arnette from Ohio State with the 19th overall pick.

The Las Vegas Raiders drafted Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette with the 19th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.  This was the Raiders’ second pick in the first round, choosing Henry Ruggs III with the 12th pick and they came into the draft needing offensive and defensive players on their roster.

Arnette spent five years at Ohio State, redshirting in 2015, and played in almost every game for the remainder of his career with the Buckeyes. He considered declaring for the 2019 NFL Draft but decided to stick it out one more year and as a result, he strengthened his draft stock.

As a senior, he recorded 35 total tackles and one tackle for loss. He also posted an interception for 96 yards and a defensive touchdown in addition to eight pass deflections and a forced fumble. Arnette probably would have padded his stats, even more, had he not played with a cast for most of his senior season.

Arnette had the time to develop during his time with the Buckeyes and as a result, is able to locate and high point the ball. He has great timing in his coverage and plays with persistence and determination.

He recorded a total of 140 total tackles, with 104 of them being solo and 36 assists, with four tackles for loss, five interceptions for 132 yards and the one defensive touchdown last season. In addition, Arnette also recorded 22 pass deflections, one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles.

Draft Grade: B

The Ohio State star may have been an underrated draft prospect in part because of his lackluster performance at the combine, but the Raiders didn’t put all of their stock in combine performance, and his experience on the field will help his transition into the next level of play. As the Raiders get a fresh start in a new home, so will Arnette.

In my mock draft, Arnette wasn’t chosen in the first round, instead, I picked Jaylon Johnson from Utah.