Mayock stunned the evaluators when he passed the 19th overall pick over Ohio State corner Damon Arnette, the second half of a cornerback tandem that featured third pick overall Jeff Okudah and helped the Buckeyes reach the college football playoffs in 2019. Typically, a first- round selection brings with it an expectation for this player to make an impact early on, but Raiders fans might harbor some trepidation as for the notable Ohio State corners drafted in the first round thanks to the disappointing time of the former 24th pick over General Gareon Conley with the team. . Amukamara’s presence could ease some of the pressure on Arnette’s shoulders, however, paving the way for a smoother transition that could pay off in the long run for Silver and Black.
A big question mark is one of last year’s first-round picks, safety Johnathan Abram. The rowdy rookie was one of the earliest goals of HBO’s Hard Knocks, but appeared in just one game before his season ended. How he and Randall – or Erik Harris, who will be competing with Randall for the job – mesh together will be a big part of this high school’s strength.
Randall had an uneventful 2019 campaign as he was forced to fight over injuries, but he is one year away from a very productive 2018 season at Cleveland. He has been in Mayock’s sights since he came to Arizona State.
“I got him as the # 1 free safety coming out of college and I think he has motor skills and has been a wedge and a safety so you must love the fact that he can run, ”Mayock said. “I think he’s invested in a ‘proven’ type year and we’re in a very good position because we like Erik Harris a lot. I thought he had a solid year last year as well.”
We’re still about a month away from the in-game action, but with the camp in sight, the clock has started ticking. It’s about time these guys started making a living.
