The 2020 draft class for the Raiders will go down as one of the worst in franchise history. Both of their first-round picks (Henry Ruggs III, Damon Arnette) were released before their second season in the NFL. Two of their third-round picks (Tanner Muse, Lynn Bowden Jr.) never even played a single snap with the team.
The only player left from that draft is cornerback Amik Robertson, who enters the fourth and final year of his contract with the Raiders. Robertson has appeared in 35 games for the Raiders and has started a total of nine games over the last two seasons.
But will he make the 53-man roster this season or is this the year that the book finally ends on the worst draft class in franchise history?
In a recent article by Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed of The Athletic, they did their early 53-man roster predictions for the Raiders going into the 2023 season. Both Tafur and Reed left off Robertson, opting to keep players like Tyler Hall and David Long Jr. instead:
Hobbs wants to return to nickelback after he had a rocky season primarily lining up outside last year, but Hall will push him. Robertson and Webb will both have the chance to fight for a roster spot. The 5-foot-8 Robertson was one of the new Raiders brass’ favorite players that they inherited, but his size limitations are tricky and ultimately prove his undoing.
Robertson’s lack of size forces him to play in the slot, but the Raiders already have three slot cornerbacks on the roster (Hobbs, Hall, Long). It’s going to be tough for him to make the roster unless he can find other ways to contribute.
However, Robertson has found a way to stick on the roster for the last three seasons despite the odds being stacked against him. Don’t be surprised if he figures out a way to do it again this season.
