Tag: damon arnette

Damon Arnette returns healthy, stronger and confident after ‘new types of adversity’ as a rookie

Damon Arnette returns healthy, stronger and confident after ‘new types of adversity’ as a rookie

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Very little went right for Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette in 2020, his rookie campaign. He only played nine games after injuries to his wrist and head, and he had a case of Covid-19. When Arnette was on the field, his play was suspect at best.

Such a season can certainly damage a player’s confidence. For a cornerback, it could be devastating, since they thrive on that emotion. In today’s NFL, it’s a near certainty they’ll lose ample snaps to wide receivers, even with the best corners. But you’ve got to maintain some swagger through it all.

In a great sign for Las Vegas, Arnette displayed confidence in talking with the media on Thursday. His new physique clearly helps; he’s bulked up after his weight dropped during his rookie season, due to a cast on his wrist that hindered his weightlifting. Upon a mention from reporters, he flexed on them.

Arnette said he weighted 175 pounds at most last season. Now, he’s likely around his listed playing weight of 195.

Here’s more of what Arnette told reporters about his attitude as he approaches his sophomore season with Las Vegas, including good news about his health.

“I feel a lot more comfortable. I’m healthy,” he said. “I don’t have to worry about a cast. The team, we’re closer than we were last year. Just another year under our belt. Overall, on all angles, I’m confident and more comfortable.”

Arnette added that he definitely never had a year like 2020.

“It was a lot of new types of adversity. First-time adversities that I had trouble getting through, but I got through. Year two is going to be an exciting one,” he said.

That Arnette is still optimistic is a credit to his character. His rookie season was fairly ugly, and now he’s out of the starting lineup in favor of veteran CB Casey Hayward Jr.  Additionally, new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley uses a scheme that favors cornerbacks with a different physical profile than Arnette. (Bradley’s zone coverage values defenders with long arms, and Arnette’s arms are rather short.)

Arnette is learning from Hayward though, and he credited his coaches, family and friends for helping him through his rough rookie season. As a former first-round pick, much is expected of Arnette. But right now, it’s simply important that he hangs in there and doesn’t give up. It appears he’s done that and is ready for more.

Bills at Raiders: Wednesday injury reports

Buffalo Bills, Las Vegas Raiders injury reports from Wednesday ahead of Week 4.

Here are the full Wednesday injury reports for both the Buffalo Bills and the Las Vegas Raiders ahead of their Week 4 meeting at Allegiant Stadium:

Buffalo Bills (3-0)

Did not practice

  • WR John Brown (calf)
  • OL Dion Dawkins (shoulder)
  • S Micah Hyde (ankle)
  • DL Quinton Jefferson (foot)
  • LB Del’Shawn Phillips (quad)

Limited practice

  • LB Tremaine Edmunds (shoulder)
  • QB Jake Fromm (quarantine) 
  • RB Zack Moss (toe)
  • DT Ed Oliver (knee)

Full practice

  • TE Dawson Knox (concussion)

Notes:

CB Josh Norman (hamstring) practiced but remains on the Bills’ injured reserve list at this time. … Edmunds wore a non-contact jersey during practice. … Hyde missed only one snap against the Rams in Week 3 but returned. … Brown left Week 3 vs. the Rams early. … Dawkins and Jefferson were new additions to the injury list, Dawkins was injured on the final drive of the game vs. the Rams.

Las Vegas Raiders (1-2)

Did not practice

  • CB Damon Arnette (wrist/ thumb)
  • OL Trent Brown (calf)
  • WR Bryan Edwards (foot/ ankle)
  • WR Rico Gafford (hamstring)
  • DT Daniel Ross (foot)
  • WR Henry Ruggs III (knee/ hamstring)

Limited practice

  • OL Sam Young (groin) 
  • LB Corey Littleton (knee)
  • LB Nick Kwiatkoski (pectoral) 
  • S Johnathan Abram (shoulder/ thumb)

Full practice

  • OL Denzelle Good (thumb)
  • DT Johnathan Hankins (shoulder)
  • FB Alec Ingold (ankle/ quad)
  • RB Josh Jacobs (hip/ knee)

Notes:

Jacobs is the Raiders’ starting running back. … Kwiatkoski & Littleton were injured in Week 3 vs. the Patriots. … Abram did play in Week 3. … Ruggs, Arnette are both first-round rookies and are trending toward not playing vs. the Bills.

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Raiders might lose both first-round rookies ahead of Bills meeting

The Las Vegas Raiders might be without their first-round rookies, Henry Ruggs, Damon Arnette vs. Buffalo Bills.

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The Buffalo Bills make their first-ever trip to Las Vegas to face the Raiders in Week 4. But it sounds like they’ll have to wait to face both of the Raiders’ first-round rookies.

Wide receiver Henry Ruggs III and cornerback Damon Arnette, the No. 12 and 19 overall picks at the 2020 NFL Draft, respectively, are trending in the wrong direction as the 3-0 Bills are heading to town.

On Monday, Raiders (2-1) head coach Jon Gruden said Ruggs’ status is something he’s “concerned” about. Ruggs missed the Raiders’ Week 3 36-20 loss to the Patriots with a hamstring injury. In addition, Arnette, who entered the 2020 season with a thumb injured, re-aggravated it in Week 3, per Raiders Wire. Arnette could miss six weeks due to the injury.

Without Arnette, Nevin Lawson and Isaiah Johnson could get more looks on the outside opposite of Trayvon Mullen. Depth wide receiver who could see more playing time vs. the Bills include Hunter Renfrow and Nelson Agholor. There’s also former Bills wide receiver Zay Jones to consider.

In two games this season, Ruggs has four catches for 59 yards. Arnette has one pass breakup so far as a rookie.

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Where does Bears rookie Jaylon Johnson rank among 6 CBs taken before him in the draft?

Bears rookie CB Jaylon Johnson wasn’t happy that 6 teams passed him up in the 2020 NFL Draft. Now, he’s proving them wrong after two weeks.

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Jaylon Johnson hasn’t forgotten that six cornerbacks were taken ahead of him in the 2020 NFL Draft. Earlier this offseason, he spoke about how that motivated him even more to prove those six teams wrong. And after two weeks, he’s certainly doing just that.

While Johnson hasn’t been perfect, he’s been pretty impressive in his first two NFL games.

In fact, about those six cornerbacks taken before him in the draft, Johnson has allowed a lower passer rating (64.2) than all of them. The four cornerbacks taken in the first round  — Detroit’s Jeff Okudah, Atlanta’s A.J. Terrell, Las Vegas’ Damon Arnette and Miami’s Noah Igbinoghene — have allowed ratings over 110.

So far this season, Johnson has allowed three catches on seven targets (42.9%) for 55 yards. He has five pass break-ups and allowed a 64.2 passer rating.

Johnson’s five pass break-ups is the second most by a rookie defender in their first two games since the NFL started trading the stat in 1999. Johnson ranks only behind Marcus Peters, who had seven through his first two games in 2015.

While it’s certainly far too early to call Johnson the winner of that 2020 cornerback class, the early returns on Johnson have been nothing but glowing.

Although, Johnson will face his most difficult test yet as he and Kyle Fuller prepare to take on the juggernaut duo of Falcons receivers Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley this Sunday in Atlanta.

Opening night of the NFL highlights Ohio State as DBU

Fifty-four former Buckeyes take the field this weekend in the NFL and twenty-four percent are defensive backs, making Ohio State DBU or BIA.

Ask college football fans from around the nation who DBU (Defensive Back University) is and you will hear a mix of answers. Usually, Ohio State is one of the most prominent in the conversation. We won’t bring up those other schools, but there is a fight among the faithful who is DBU. But remember, OSU likes to tout itself as BIA (Best in America) to distinguish itself.

To each his own.

As the season for the NFL kicks off, one of the Buckeyes’ former corners takes the field against the Kansas City Chiefs. Bradley Roby was drafted by the Broncos, however, now plays for Houston. This season there are eleven defensive backs active for week one from Ohio State and two others on injured reserve for the next three weeks.

As a whole, the Buckeyes have 54 players on the NFL roster to start this season. Twenty-five percent of the Ohio State players on a roster (including the injured players) are defensive backs. Not bad for a school dubbed to be the real DBU by ESPN.

Two defensive back rookies figure to play large roles for their teams this season as well. Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette will suit up week one for the Lions and Raiders, respectively. There are a total of seven OSU rookies expected to play this weekend with another six on rosters in some fashion.

While all eyes will be on Chase Young this season, the Buckeyes will have plenty of players playing and many are defensive backs. When someone asks you who DBU is, the only correct answer is THE Ohio State Buckeyes, and opening weekend only strengthens that claim. Okay, we’ll let you get away with BIA, but still, you get the point.

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Jon Gruden ‘confident’ Raiders’ top rookies are ready for their first NFL action

No preseason, no problem. Coach Jon Gruden is confident his top rookies will perform against the Panthers.

In the weeks leading up to the Raiders’ initial campaign in Las Vegas — which coincides with the third year of a roster rebuild — there was something missing. Something big.

There were no preseason games. Not a reduced stretch of games, as some have called for, but none whatsoever.

Every NFL team had the same situation, due to the spread of COVID-19, but it was a particularly bad blow for the Raiders. Much of the young roster needs more seasoning, especially the rookies.

But this year, they must find their form quickly because these games count, starting this weekend against the Panthers. Coach Jon Gruden is confident his young roster is prepared.

“We’ve done all we can to get them ready,” Gruden told reporters on Wednesday. “We’re confident in these young people. That’s why we brought them here.”

Gruden mentioned that in 2018, his first year back with the Raiders, he started two rookie offensive tackles in Kolton Miller and Brandon Parker. Last season, Las Vegas relied on two rookies in the backfield with Josh Jacobs and Alec Ingold. Rookie wide receiver Hunter Renfrow started in the slot.

“We’re rebuilding the team. Now we’re starting to see the products of our labor,” Gruden said. “And we’re hoping that [Damon] Arnette and [Henry] Ruggs and [Bryan] Edwards are up to the challenge because Carolina is going to challenge them.”

Defensive back Damon Arnette and wide receivers Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards are listed as rookie starters on the Raiders’ initial depth chart. Arnette and Ruggs III are both first-round picks, and Edwards is the next highest-drafted rookie on the team.

How they respond to their first NFL action could reveal a lot about their skill, and of their character.

They’re bound to make mistakes they could have made in the preseason and will have to persevere with live bullets flying. Any miscue by Arnette is likely to be extremely visible, as well, due to his position.

But Gruden is confident. And why wouldn’t he be? It’s year three of his run as coach, and many roster pieces are in place. He and general manager Mike Mayock have targeted tough, competitive players, just the type that can fight through rough patches.

Now, it’s up to these three rookies to embrace the challenge and thrive in Las Vegas, along with the rest of the youthful roster and their veteran leadership.

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Raiders GM Mike Mayock: CB Damon Arnette ‘Has a chance to be special’

The Raiders had a huge need at cornerback and addressed it in the draft with Ohio State product, Damon Arnette.

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.

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Raiders’ Damon Arnette fractures thumb

According to reports, former Ohio State and current Raiders projected starting cornerback Damon Arnette has suffered a fractured thumb.

Former Ohio State and current Las Vegas Raiders defensive back Damon Arnette has broken his thumb according to sources close to the program. It’s not known what his status is, but it’s a bit of a setback for the first-round draft pick that has impressed in preseason camp.

The Raiders surprised many by what appeared to be a reach in the 2020 NFL Draft when they took Arnette with the 19th overall pick in the first round. Since then though, the 6-foot, 195-pounder has impressed so much that the Raiders released veteran corner Prince Amukamara, seemingly opening up a starting spot for Arnette along side Trayvon Mullen.

Head coach Jon Gruden was even quoted as saying “We didn’t draft these guys to stand on the sideline.”

Now, however, that is put in doubt. The Raiders will now either look to find a replacement to start in Arnette’s place or find a way for him to play with a club on his hand like he did at Ohio State.

Don’t count Arnette out just yet. He’s shown he’s not afraid to play hurt and will most likely work his way through it if cleared and able to do so.

 

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Former NFL receiver Chad Johnson impressed by Damon Arnette

Former Ohio State and current Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette caught the eye of former NFL receiver Chad Johnson.

Ocho Cinco likes him some veinte apparently.

Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson might be retired, but he still likes to be in and around the culture of the league. He has expressed interest in working out with former Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah, and now it appears he was taking in Las Vegas Raiders practice recently when something — or rather someone — caught his eye.

Johnson tweeted some high praise for Damon Arnette on Thursday, though he didn’t know who it was that impressed him, referring to the former Ohio State corner by number only.

“I’m not sure who number 20 is for the Raiders but please let him know whoever he trained with needs a significant raise because his technique, patience & lateral movement is power point worthy,” tweeted the former Cincinnati Bengal.

Arnette was taken somewhat surprisingly in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Raiders as the No. 19 overall pick. Many experts and analysts thought it was a reach, but he seems to be showing everyone so far that Las Vegas knew what it was doing.

The mention caught the eye of Ohio State head coach Ryan Day as well. He let everyone know where Arnette came from with a BIA retweet.

 

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

We have a forum and message board now. Get in on the conversation about Ohio State athletics by joining the Buckeyes Wire Forum.

Raiders QB Derek Carr excited about ‘stickier’ coverage by Las Vegas cornerbacks

Cornerback was a position of need for the Raiders this offseason, and they missed out in free agency. Not to worry, says QB Derek Carr.

The Raiders replenished their defense at every level this offseason, via the draft and free agency, though not all went according to plan.

General manager Mike Mayock attempted to land a big free-agent prize at cornerback but missed out on Byron Jones, who ended up signing with the Dolphins. The Raiders also reportedly signed CB Eli Apple to a bargain contract, but the deal fell through.

But not to worry. Mayock and coach Jon Gruden turned to the draft to fill the need, selecting Damon Arnette in the first round. He’s been lining up with the starting unit, along with second-year CB, Trayvon Mullen, and quarterback Derek Carr is impressed.

“I’m really excited about our corners,” Carr said from training camp on Tuesday. “The coverage is stickier. They are doing some good things, so very excited.”

It’s just an early impression from practice, but Carr’s comment is still encouraging for the Las Vegas defense. Though cornerback was a priority in the offseason, the Raiders’ group is young and mostly unproven, even behind their current starters.

Rounding out the depth chart are second-year prospects Isaiah Johnson and Keisean Nixon, along with rookie Amik Robertson. The Raiders did sign one veteran in free agency in Prince Amukamara, and he could step into a starting role if needed. Returning veteran Nevin Lawson also figures to be in the mix.

But it’s best for the Raiders if Arnette and Mullen can hold on to their starting spots. The two represent large investments in the draft and could potentially patrol the corners for years to come. According to team leader, Derek Carr, so far, so good.

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