When Raiders general manager Mike Mayock struck out in the free-agent cornerback market, he went to plan “B.”
That plan was to remedy the position via the NFL draft, and it’s personified by cornerback Damon Arnette.
Las Vegas also brought veteran CB Prince Amukamara into training camp to compete for a starting job, just to be safe, but Arnette grabbed ahold of the position and never let go. Amukamara was released, and the gig belongs to the rookie, drafted in the first round out of Ohio State.
Arnette clearly had an impressive camp. According to Mayock, Arnette is as skilled as the Raiders’ brass had hoped.
“Damon was exactly what we thought he would be off tape, which was first of all, tough and competitive. We thought he was one of the toughest and most competitive corners in this draft, and he was that, and he will be that,” Mayock told reporters on Sunday. “He’s quick, he’s fast, he finds the ball in the air. And as he learns how to be a pro and consistently detail every step along the way, he has a chance to be special. He’s got a long way to go, but he’s got a chance.”
That is high praise from Mayock, which bodes well for Arnette. It must be noted that there was no preseason this year, so unfortunately the young CB has seen no live-action.
But being tough and competitive seems to be a prerequisite for being a Raider in the regime of Mayock and coach Jon Gruden. Arnette has that in spades, according to Mayock, and that, along with his physical skills, gives him a chance to be special in Las Vegas.
[vertical-gallery id=73182]
[lawrence-newsletter]