Raiders NFL draft: 2020 class, where are they now?

Five of the seven players selected in the Las Vegas Raiders’ inaugural 2020 NFL draft are no longer in the league. Only offensive guard John Simpson and cornerback Amik Robertson remain in the NFL, according to roster data. Simpson recently signed a three-year, $30 million contract to return to the Baltimore Ravens.

Which 2020 Raiders draft picks remain in the NFL?

John Simpson and Amik Robertson are the only players from the 2020 class still active in the NFL. Simpson, a former Clemson product, spent one season as a starter for the Raiders in 2021 before being waived in December 2022.

Simpson started all 17 games for the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. Following two seasons as a starter for the New York Jets under a two-year, $12 million contract, he returned to the Ravens this past offseason on a three-year, $30 million deal.

Amik Robertson played 52 games and recorded four interceptions with the Raiders. He spent two seasons with the Detroit Lions, where he made 10 starts and recorded 12 pass deflections in his most recent campaign. Robertson signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the Washington Commanders this spring.

Did You Know? Wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. was traded to the Miami Dolphins before he ever played a regular-season game for the Raiders.

What happened to the Raiders’ first-round picks?

First-round pick Henry Ruggs III played one and a half seasons in Las Vegas. He pleaded guilty to DUI resulting in death and vehicular manslaughter charges and remains in the Nevada State prison system. Ruggs was denied parole on June 11.

Cornerback Damon Arnette was cut by the Raiders due to off-field concerns involving guns. After a brief stint on the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad, the Kansas City Chiefs released him 10 days after signing him following his arrest on weapon and drug charges.

Arnette later spent time with the Houston Texans’ practice squad and active roster in 2025. He currently plays for the Houston Gamblers in the UFL, where he recorded one interception and five pass breakups in eight games during the 2025 season.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the trajectory of the 2020 class highlights a stark divide between the team’s early-round investments and late-round value. While the first-round picks were derailed by legal issues, the fourth-round picks developed into durable starters who commanded significant market value in free agency.

Why did other 2020 draft picks fail to stay in the league?

Wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. was intended to be a “utility player” for Jon Gruden’s offense. However, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reported that Bowden became an off-field concern and a “potential bad influence” on Ruggs and Arnette, leading to his trade to the Miami Dolphins.

Henry Ruggs Parole Hearing: Does Fame Change the Outcome?

Bowden later had stints with the New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, DC Defenders (UFL), BC Lions (CFL), and Louisville Kings (UFL). Wide receiver Bryan Edwards also exited the NFL after 2023, following time with the Atlanta Falcons and a final stint in the New Orleans Saints’ training camp.

Linebacker Tanner Muse struggled with an injury before his rookie season. He served as a special teamer for the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Chargers, and spent time on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad before being cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

What may happen next for these players?

Henry Ruggs III may attempt a return to the NFL once he is released from prison, though his timeline depends on future parole hearings. Damon Arnette could attempt to leverage his UFL performance to secure another NFL opportunity.

Amik Robertson is likely to compete for a full-time starting role with the Washington Commanders following his recent contract signing. John Simpson is expected to continue as a starter for the Baltimore Ravens under his new three-year agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the only 2020 Raiders draft picks still in the NFL?
John Simpson and Amik Robertson are the only players from that class remaining in the league.

Why was Lynn Bowden Jr. traded before playing a game?
According to Vic Tafur of The Athletic, Bowden was viewed as an off-field concern and a potential bad influence on teammates Henry Ruggs III and Damon Arnette.

What is the current status of Henry Ruggs III?
Ruggs is currently in the Nevada State prison system after pleading guilty to DUI resulting in death and vehicular manslaughter; he was denied parole on June 11.

Do you think the Raiders’ 2020 draft struggles were a result of talent evaluation or off-field volatility?