NFL Draft: Raiders should target UCLA OL Sean Rhyan in the 5th round

Mar 4, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA offensive lineman Sean Rhyan (OL41) goes through drills during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA offensive lineman Sean Rhyan (OL41) goes through drills during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 5, 2020; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Possible Raiders draft target and UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Sean Rhyan (74) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Raiders. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2020; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Possible Raiders draft target and UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Sean Rhyan (74) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Raiders. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

The Las Vegas Raiders opted not to go after any prized offensive line free agents. Instead, they retained many of last year’s contributors. Adding Sean Rhyan via the NFL draft is an option that makes sense, both on the field and financially.

The Raiders’ offensive line in 2022 is slated to look a lot like it did last season. The organization made a couple of splashy acquisitions in Chandler Jones and Davante Adams, but fans were somewhat underwhelmed by the decision to bring back the likes of Brandon Parker and Jermaine Eluemunor.

However, this year’s draft class is deep with offensive linemen, and you’d have to imagine Dave Ziegler has a plan to take advantage of this.

Sean Rhyan is an offensive tackle from UCLA that could be available in the fourth round, possibly the fifth, and could give the Raiders a prospect worth molding. In fact, any college tackle that only surrendered two sacks in his collegiate career could provide a quality depth piece with plenty of upside.

Rhyan is going under the radar, which means the Raiders should take advantage

Rhyan was a three-year starter for the Bruins and played mostly left tackle during that run. Yes, the Raiders have a future stalwart in that position in Kolton Miller, but Rhyan can develop behind No. 74, along with the other returning players such as Parker and Eluemunor, to eventually take snaps at right tackle.

He’s six-foot-five and 321 pounds, possessing a physical foundation to become an NFL guard if need be. It does appear that this new Raiders regime is pushing for competition within the team. Why not add a hungry rookie with notable potential?