Should the Raiders target Elgton Jenkins in 2023 free agency?
By Preston Seyl
Will the Raiders add to the line through free agency in 2023? With the offensive line in question, this year will the Raiders make a splash in free agency?
The biggest storyline this offseason in terms of need for the Raiders was whether or not they did enough along the offensive line. Kolton Miller is an outstanding left tackle, but outside of him, the entire offensive line was a bit of a question mark going into Josh McDaniels first season as head coach.
Next offseason, Las Vegas will likely do more to bolster the unit, and that includes the 2023 NFL Drat, and free agency. One name they should look at is Elgton Jenkins, a powerful offensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers.
Jenkins is a versatile offensive lineman who can move around the line wherever needed. He is coming off an ACL tear in 2021, but in 2020, he played all over for the Packers, racking up 27 snaps at left tackle, 681 at left guard, 297 at the center, and 32 at right tackle per PFF.
Only giving up one sack and two hits in 2020, the Raiders could use his versatility on the line mainly to help on the right side. Jenkins is a young player drafted in the class of 2019, playing most of his rookie snaps at left guard with zero sacks but allowing 22 pressures finishing with a grade of 69.2 overall per PFF.
What Jenkins could bring to the Raiders
Jenkins could join this young group and make a difference wherever is needed, as he is consistent and is improving every year. We will see how he comes off his ACL tear and performs in 2022, but he is ranked number 9 on 2023 free agents available with his versatility and would be ranked even higher if not derailed by his ACL tear.
Jenkins in his second year was a pro bowl selection, and if healthy should continue to play at that caliber. The help of Carmen Bricillo should help in his still early career, he is a high-ceiling player that is worth taking a shot at if the price is right.