Raiders 2022 7-Round Mock Draft: Plenty of holes need to be addressed

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by 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 Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by 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 Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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Mar 4, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Virginia Tech offensive lineman Lecitus Smith (OL47) 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; Virginia Tech offensive lineman Lecitus Smith (OL47) goes through drills during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders 2022 7-Round Mock Draft: Plenty of holes need to be addressed

Raiders mock draft: Round 3, Pick 86 – Lecitus Smith, OG, Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech’s Lecitus Smith could come in and compete with the Raiders’ current group of guards. Smith, who stands at six-foot-three and weighs 314 pounds, carries an explosive first step at the point of attack, using all of his weight to dominate at the line of scrimmage.

He’s underrated as an athlete as well. He regularly showed off impressive lateral speed and movement in his collegiate career, which contributed to his solid run-blocking skills. In fact, Pro Football Focus graded him at 71.4 in that area.

One of Smith’s most notable traits that stand out on film is his tenacity. He plays with a violent mean streak. Adding some polished aggression to the Raiders’ offensive line is surely a desirable bonus.

Smith would most likely fit as a left guard in the NFL, as that’s where he excelled in college. Perhaps the Raiders will be drafting a long-term replacement for Good once his contract expires after 2022. He’s a relatively balanced blocker with plenty of physical upside, highlighted by quick feet and noticeable upper body strength, and he could certainly fit the mold of an offensive lineman in McDaniels’ offense.

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