While free agency is set to begin on Monday, the draft is quickly approaching. We are only 45 days away from the Raiders making a pick at No. 22. But what direction might they go in the first round?
The belief around NFL circles is that they will use the pick to upgrade the offense. But will they draft a receiver or an offensive lineman to help Derek Carr?
In a recent mock draft by Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus, Kenyon Green from Texas A&M was the selection for the Raiders in the first round. Here is why Sikkema believes that could be the right pick for Las Vegas:
“Offensive line remains a big area of need for the Raiders, as the right side of their line gave up the most pressure of any line in the NFL. They’ll need to fill a few spots to improve the line, and Green can be a nice versatile chess piece who can fill multiple spots.”
The only problem with taking Green at pick No. 22 is that he is primarily a guard. While it’s true that he played multiple positions in college, his best spot is at left guard. He does have experience playing tackle, but it’s probably more in a reserve role in the NFL rather than on a full-time basis.
The Raiders could use help at guard, but they need a right tackle more than anything else. And they probably can’t afford to use another top-25 pick on an offensive guard after drafting Alex Leatherwood last year.
But if the Raiders are deadset on taking the best offensive lineman available on the board and “figuring it out later”, Green could be an option at No. 22. He is one of the safer prospects in this class and would be a Day 1 starter somewhere on their offensive line.
