The Las Vegas Raiders need a starting right tackle for the 2022 NFL season, perhaps they can acquire Chiefs OT Orlando Brown Jr.?
The Silver and Black will require the services of a right tackle this upcoming season. Backing up the Brinks truck to land a two-time Pro Bowler in Brown might be worth it this year for the Raiders. Last year’s first-round pick, Alex Leatherwood, floundered in his rookie campaign. It was so bad that the team was forced to move him inside to right guard to help with his struggles.
The Raiders could draft a right tackle such as Ikem Ekwonu or Trevor Penning. That’s one option. However, that comes with the risk of seeing another tackle prospect fail in the NFL. More importantly, the team would possibly be wasting yet another first-round choice on an offensive lineman.
The latter is key considering the events surrounding Mike Mayock’s exit. The Raiders cannot afford to whiff on draft picks in April, especially in the first round with the 22nd overall selection. Signing Brown will allow the Raiders to draft the best defensive player available if they choose that route.
Another positive about landing Brown would be that Las Vegas is weakening the Kansas City Chiefs. If the Raiders can bring down the Chiefs a notch by taking away one of their starting tackles, that’s a win-win. There are other factors at play, though, such as Brown’s price tag and his health. The other question that needs to be answered is who will be making the decisions with Mayock out.
What will the Raiders’ draft philosophy be like moving forward? Or what will their strategy be during this free agency period?