One of the strengths for the Las Vegas heading into the Raiders NFL Draft in 2020 is they don’t have to draft offensive line early. Yet in the NFL, depth is key and here are some options for the Raiders to consider at offensive line positions.
It’s not a great year for offensive lineman in the NFL Draft but there are a handful of players in each round who could be good development prospects to bring to Las Vegas. We don’t talk much about the Raiders NFL Draft plans including offensive line targets but with Gabe Jackson’s contract, and a few aging veterans on the line, Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden have to start thinking about the future now.
Here are some targets for the Raiders round-by-round:
Round 1 – Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
Pros:
- Can play either C or G at the next level.
- Great movement skills allows him to make plays all across the line.
- Ability to anchor at the line, or reestablish his anchor if pushed back.
- Hand usage is very good for an interior lineman.
Cons:
- Arm length can allow lineman to get into his body.
- Blitz recognition can be an issue must tighten up on which defenders to pass on to other linemen.
Ruiz is the top interior lineman in this draft. Has the ability to play either G or C which makes him an interesting prospect. Hand usage and strength will allow him to play through his faults and become a locked in starter in the league
Round 3 – Matt Peart, Connecticut
Pros:
- At 6’7” 310 lbs Peart is a monster.
- Mobility at his size is a rare thing and he is a very mobile giant.
- A high football IQ helps cover for some of his limitations.
Cons:
- Hand usage needs improvement to control a DE at the line of scrimmage.
- For his size, his functional strength is an issue.
- Often gets off balance because he tries to overcompensate for his hands/strength issues.
A year in the weight room and a good coach could bring exponential growth to a prospect like Peart. He has the size and mobility to be a franchise LT but he is a work in progress. Due to his size, a move to guard seems unlikely so he would have to learn the tackle position on the job.
Round 4 – Robert Hunt, Louisana-Lafayette
Pros:
- A mauler in the run game that knows how to finish blocks.
- The ability to go from T to G will pay dividends in the NFL.
- A 4-year starter in college Hunt has plenty of in-game experience.
Cons:
- Sloppy footwork has led to him being out of position too often.
- Hand usage is an issue at the point of attack.
Experience and a nasty streak will get the attention of many O-line coaches across the league. Not a fundamentally sound player at this point but can grow in that area to become, if not a starter a rotation guy in the league
Round 5 – Trey Adams, Washington
Pros:
- Size and strength to be a franchise tackle.
- Great second-level blocker that has the speed to get out on run plays.
- His anchor is next level and is advanced in both the run game as well as pass protection.
Cons:
- Injuries have derailed Adam’s football career.
A Top 10 pick a couple of years ago, Adams has dropped to a late-round gamble. If he has time to heal and get back to anywhere close to what he was, he has the chance to be a franchise left tackle.
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