The Las Vegas Raiders made Dylan Parham the No. 90 overall pick in the third round, and he was the perfect selection for the team there.
Raider Nation has been waiting for months to see who will be the first player the Raiders will draft in the 2022 NFL Draft. Even after trading away a first and second-round pick for Devante Adams, they had to wait a little longer. Las Vegas made a draft-night trade with the Tennessee Titans, moving back a few slots, and picking up a fifth-round pick in the process.
For the second consecutive season, the Raiders selected an offensive lineman with their first overall pick. This year, Memphis offensive guard, Dylan Parham, was drafted to help solidify the Raiders’ offensive line with the 90th pick.
Raiders made a perfect pick in Dylan Parham
Did the Raiders do the right thing by drafting Parham? Absolutely!
The Raiders really needed some help along the offensive line where they struggled last season giving up 40 sacks and allowing only 95 rushing yards per game. That cannot happen again, especially in a Josh McDaniels offense.
As a matter of fact, no offense is going to work if you can’t keep your quarterback upright.
Drafting Parham has a few benefits. It could benefit the team’s run game, as Parham was a part of Memphis’ spread offense which utilized RPOs and multiple run schemes. He should be able to bring some of that to Las Vegas and help the run game, therefore the Raiders will be able to use play-action more.
Parham, who started over 50 games at Memphis at right tackle and both guard positions and never allowed a sack, should be able to compete for a starting job. This could benefit Alex Leatherwood by adding some competition and forcing him to play better at guard.
Although there are some concerns about Parham’s size, 6’3 311, which is considered a little small for the NFL by some experts, he has great mobility in his knees and ankles. He is also quick off the ball which would enable him to get to the second level.