The Las Vegas Raiders once again addressed the offensive line on Saturday, bringing in Ohio State offensive tackle, Thayer Munford.
One of the big holes that the Las Vegas Raiders needed to fill going into the 2022 NFL Draft was upfront along the offensive line. Last year, the right side of the line struggled in a big way, and between inconsistent play and injuries, the offensive line was just not good enough.
Going into the NFL Draft, David Ziegler and his staff had not done much to improve the offensive line, but they got better in a big way across Friday and Saturday. First, the team went out and brought in Dylan Parham with their only pick on Day 2, adding a versatile offensive lineman from Memphis.
On Saturday, they had the same idea with Thayer Munford, a mauling offensive lineman from Ohio State who can play both offensive guard and offensive tackle at the next level. For the Raiders, this is a best-case scenario pick this late in the weekend.
Raiders got it right with Munford in the seventh round
To say that the Raiders got this pick right would be an understatement, as he is a player who could round into a starter at the next level as soon as next season. He has the size you need to play offensive tackle, and the footwork, but if he is asked to be kicked inside, he has the power to move around interior defensive linemen.
Munford started all four seasons with the Buckeyes, and was a team captain in 2021, making him an absolute steal this late in the draft.
Las Vegas Raiders 2022 NFL Draft grade: DL Matthew Butler
The Las Vegas Raiders continue to stack talent along their defensive line, this time adding Tennessee defensive lineman Matthew Butler.
I spoke months ago about Munford, and how he could be a late-round pick for the Raiders, and bring some versatility to the offensive line. This is an outstanding get in the seventh round, and when all is said and done, Munford is going to help bolster the Silver and Black depth up front on offense.
Grade: A-