Las Vegas Raiders: Strong 2021 tackle class puts Trent Brown on hot seat
Solid 2021 Offensive Tackle class coming in
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. posted his first mock draft that listed five first-round offensive linemen capable of playing tackle. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah had six going on Day 1. Looking at the collection of talent in this draft class, this is a year where many teams could find a bookend at the tackle position, whether on the right or left side.
Before you express caution in letting Brown go, remember the Raiders fielded a solid offensive line group in his absence. Derek Carr faced pressure on 19.6 percent of his dropbacks, which tied for 23rd in the NFL. In fact, the group showed depth up and down the line, as players like Denzelle Good, John Simpson, and Brandon Parker all had their moments.
The Raiders can cut the cost at tackle and develop a player capable of bookending the offensive line for a decade along with Miller. Oregon’s Penei Sewell and Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater will likely come off the board before Vegas goes on the clock at 17, but Jalen Mayfield (Michigan) and Teven Jenkins (Oklahoma State) have experience on the right side and could move into the starting lineup as rookies.
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Brown is obviously a better pro than anyone coming out of the draft, but he’s no help while on the sideline. At his price, he’s not giving the Raiders a good rate of return on their four-year, $66 million investment.
The Silver and Black may be able to land a prospective starter at the position in the second round after selecting a player for the defense on Day 1. As the Raiders explore cost-cutting methods, they could get younger at tackle with a prospect who has little to no injury history.