While much of the focus by the Raiders in this draft figures to come on the defensive side of the ball, perhaps no position on the offense is in more need of a major talent than that of the guard position.
The Raiders went after guard with their first pick last season — albeit in the third round — but the work is not done. They must consider looking to upgrade the position on day two and perhaps day three as well.
Here are the top fits for what the Raiders need as I see it.
Round 2 – O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida
A mauler who was a four-year starter, the last three at right guard. Sounds like exactly what the Raiders need.
HIs first three seasons he played at Louisiana, where he was named First Team All-Sun Belt then playing his final season at Florida and being named a consensus All American.
Round 2 – Steve Avila, TCU
This 6-3, 332-pounder was named Second-team All Big12 at center as a Junior. Then he moved to left guard and elevated to a Consensus All-American.
All told, Avila was a three-year starter for the Horned Frogs, seeing time at every position on the line except left tackle – the position he played in high school. He can play both zone and gap schemes with equal proficiency. So, yeah, he’s quite versatile. An instant day one starter.
Round 4 – Emil Ekiyor, Alabama
Three-year starting right guard for the Crimson Tide. Ekiyor was named First team All SEC. The 6-2, 314-pounder is also quite durable, having not missed a game in his three seasons as a starter.
Round 5 – Nick Broeker, Ole Miss
We are at the flier portion of the draft. Where you hope a player ultimately works out better than most expect with some development. Broeker has tools to work with. He was a three-year starter for Ole Miss, the first two at left tackle before kicking in to guard last season. At guard he was named second team All American.
Round 5 – TJ Bass, Oregon
Another second team All American, though Bass earned that honor as a left tackle. As is often the case when a tackle is projected at guard, it’s his short arms that are the culprit. He did spent his first two seasons with the Ducks, earning First Team All Pac-12 honors while splitting time between guard and tackle.
