Raiders reload for another playoff run with this 2022 7-Round Mock

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 23: Ikem Ekwonu #79 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack in action against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on October 23, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 23: Ikem Ekwonu #79 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack in action against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on October 23, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

Raiders reload for another playoff run with this 2022 7-Round Mock

The Raiders need help along their offensive line, in particular, along the interior with Richie Incognito likely on his way out and they need a right tackle. A pick here in the first round would be ripe for an offensive lineman. They could go with Trevor Penning if available, but if not, Ikem Ekwonu should be the choice here.

The six-foot-four, 320-pound tackle from N.C. State would need some coaching, but he has plenty of upside. The Raiders’ run game struggled early on this year and helping to reestablish the power run game long term should be a priority in 2022.

Ekwonu is a mauler and a beast in the run-blocking department, something that the Raiders need to improve. His raw strength was on full display in college as he helped open run lanes consistently.

The Raiders could select a defensive player in the first round but upgrading the trenches should be of the utmost importance. Surrounding franchise quarterback Derek Carr with an elite offensive line will do wonders moving forward. If the Silver and Black could accomplish this by not only keeping him upright but getting the run game back to an imposing level, why wouldn’t they?

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