2021 NFL Draft: Optimal picks for the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 17
By Sean Basile
2021 NFL Draft: Optimal picks for the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 17
OL Rashawn Slater, Northwestern
Finally, I have to throw an offensive lineman in this mix. The Raiders have dumped their entire supply of offensive linemen except for Richie Incognito and Kolton Miller while we’re awaiting to see how John Simpson and Brandon Parker develop, and how Nick Martin will fare with his new team.
Rashawn Slater may very well be off the board by the time number 17 comes up, but there appears to be no more versatile offensive lineman in this draft class than he. Slater can fit perfectly right into that right tackle position for the Raiders, and he can slide over to right guard if needed, plus he can also play center.
Adding a guy like Slater gives the Raiders options in combinations of offensive line groups to go with come 2021. This is a team that needs to continue to pound the run game with Josh Jacobs and a strong O-line is something they’ve had the benefit of the last few years.
Now that it’s seemingly been torn down, the need to build it back up is clear and present.
Defense is the smarter pick for them at 17, but I wouldn’t blame them at all if they elected to sure up that right side of the offensive line if Slater is there. That’s going to be all for me. Let’s see what the Raiders do come Thursday!