Raiders: 5 prospects to watch during 2022 Senior Bowl week

MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 30: A general view of a flag with the Reese's Senior Bowl Logo on it before the start of the 2021 Resse's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 30: A general view of a flag with the Reese's Senior Bowl Logo on it before the start of the 2021 Resse's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
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AMES, IA – SEPTEMBER 4: Head coach Mark Farley of the Northern Iowa Panthers co0aches offensive lineman Trevor Penning #70 of the Northern Iowa Panthers on the sidelines in the first half of play against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium on September 4, 2021, in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – SEPTEMBER 4: Head coach Mark Farley of the Northern Iowa Panthers co0aches offensive lineman Trevor Penning #70 of the Northern Iowa Panthers on the sidelines in the first half of play against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium on September 4, 2021, in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)

Raiders: 5 prospects to watch during 2022 Senior Bowl week

Trevor Penning: Offensive Tackle, Northern Iowa

There is no secret that the Raiders need upgrades along the offensive line, and fortunately for them, this class is full of possible upgrades.

This week, one of the more intriguing prospects will be the massive offensive tackle from Northern Iowa, Trevor Penning.

Showcases like the Senior Bowl are always great for the small school prospects to show their skills against the best, and it’ll be no different for Penning. At 6’6 and 330 lbs, Penning brings imposing size, and he uses every bit of it on the field. His physicality is evident, and he looks like a grown man playing with children at times.

The Raiders need a tackle opposite of Kolton Miller, and new head coach Josh McDaniels is coming from a power run game in New England that could fit Penning. This week’s key will be how Penning holds up in the pass blocking one on one drills. According to most PFF numbers, he improved a ton in pass protection, but the jump in the competition will certainly test that.

Penning has been building a ton of buzz in the draft community, and if he plays well this week, the Raiders should take a strong look at him in the first round.

(video courtesy of Off-season Productions)

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