The Las Vegas Raiders had a disappointing 2019 season, finishing with a 7-9 record, but the hope was with a strong offseason and draft, they could back into the playoffs.
With the draft completed it's now a perfect chance to look back at the players selected, how they will fit with the team, and if it will put them over the edge. So will the Raiders make the playoffs? Let's break it down.
Raiders draft
The Raiders selected seven players in the 2020 NFL draft. But only a handful of these players will probably step in and help right away. Still, the team had a strong draft.
The Raiders' first selection, receiver Henry Ruggs III, was a bit of a surprise. It's not surprising they selected a wide receiver, but it was that Ruggs was the first wideout off the board. Ruggs is a guy who will be a difference-maker in the wide receivers room.
Las Vegas' second first-round pick, Damon Arnette, is a cornerback who could prove to be a Week 1 starter. There were some who believed Arnette was drafted too early, but the Raiders clearly didn't want to lose him.
The Raiders' next two picks, Lynn Bowden and Bryan Edwards, are also players who should have impacts as rookies. Bowden was a do-it-all offensive weapon for the Kentucky Wildcats. Last season he played quarterback and wide receiver. With Las Vegas, he could be a gadget guy; for now, though, he's a running back.
Edwards might not be a dynamic player right away, but he could be the No. 4 wide receiver on the depth chart in 2020.
Tanner Muse, John Simpson and Amik Robertson round out the rest of the Raiders' draft class. Those players could be big contributions down the road, but it's hard to imagine they will have much impact on this season's playoff chances.
So will the Raiders make the playoffs?
The Raiders no doubt got better during the draft, but it's not going to be enough to put them over the edge and get them into the playoffs.
Las Vegas focused on offense, but the moves they made aren't going to help that much. Ruggs is going to be a Day 1 started, but that alone isn't going to add three or four wins.
It also would have helped if general manager Mike Mayock would have traded back to maybe get another third-round pick and was still able to select Arnette late in the first round or early in the second round.
The Raiders also will probably be in direct competition with the Denver Broncos for one of those last AFC playoff spots. The Broncos got better too, and the Las Vegas isn't yet at their level.
The Raiders will finish with an 8-8 record, which won't be enough to get into the playoffs.
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