2021 NFL Draft: 3 best-case scenario picks at No. 17 for the Las Vegas Raiders
By Brad Weiss
2021 NFL Draft: 3 best-case scenario picks at No. 17 for the Las Vegas Raiders
2. Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
The Raiders made some big waves in terms of the offensive line this offseason, as they traded away Gabe Jackson, Rodney Hudson, and Trent Brown. While the Hudson and Jackson trades have been covered up by bringing in Nick Martin, and new contracts for Andre James and Denzelle Good, the right tackle spot is still a major issue.
In this 2021 NFL Draft class, the offensive tackle spot is a deep one, and one that we have discussed as being able to address even at pick No. 48. However, there are two prospects that the Raiders cannot afford to pass on, and while Penei Sewell will not be there with pick No. 17, the draft could fall a certain way that could see Rashawn Slater still available as we inch closer to the Raiders selection.
Slater is a guy who would bolster this Raiders offensive line in a big way, and he would be an excellent complement to Kolton Miller, giving the franchise young bookends at the position for years to come. On offense, this is the most pressing need for the Raiders, and if Slater is still there, they need to run up to the podium with the index card with his name on it.