Las Vegas Raiders: 3 ways to replace RT Trent Brown
By CJ Errickson
The Las Vegas Raiders’ need at offensive tackle has been elevated with Trent Brown’s departure, and with NFL free-agency offering few viable options, the 2021 NFL Draft possesses far more talent that is also more cost-friendly. The Raiders hold the 17th overall pick in the first round of next month’s draft, and they will be in a prime position to acquire a difference-maker at the position.
With that being said, Oklahoma State’s Teven Jenkins is one of the top prospects at the right tackle position. Jenkins stands at 6’6″ and weighs approximately 315 pounds, and the former Cowboys game is headlined by his impressive aggressiveness and power at the point of attack in both pass and run protection.
He anchored the unit that paved the way for college football’s best rusher in Chuba Hubbard in 2019.
He is a player that would more than likely be an immediate contributor for Las Vegas, considering his strength and his potential in a man/gap/power blocking scheme. However, he will need some refinement as a pass blocker, but offensive line coach, Tom Cable, is one of the NFL’s best in developing offensive linemen.
It is more than possible that the team elects to trade back a few spots to gain some draft capital and then select him, but at pick 17, he would still be a viable selection based on the need and potential. However, if the Raiders are not sold on starting a rookie at the offensive tackle position in 2021, they may go in a different direction that considers the future.