Las Vegas Raiders 2023 3-round Mock Draft: Take best player available?

Las Vegas Raiders 2023 3-round Mock Draft: Take best player available?

One of the things that has surprised everyone about the Raiders’ turnaround has been the play of the offensive line. However, this doesn’t change that the O-line is thin, and in order to sustain long-term success, the Raiders need more behemoths to make sure Derek Carr (yes, him) stays upright for years to come (it’s happening).

Pick number two will be used on tackling, and of course, I’m referring to Maryland’s Jaelyn Duncan.

At six-foot-six and 320 pounds, Duncan has more than enough size to be a tackle for the Raiders. It should be noted that Duncan only allowed two QB hits this season in college. While this was done as a left tackle, Duncan has the physical profile to be an NFL tackle regardless of which side he plays.

Besides, who says this coaching staff can’t turn him into a true swing tackle, therefore giving the O-line some much-needed positional depth?

Duncan also has some notably long arms, which will benefit him at the next level, especially against pass rushers coming off the edges. According to PFF, Duncan’s pass-blocking has been graded at 64.9 for this past season, which is not bad. The athletic lineman possesses some heavy hands, and he knows how to use them.

You often saw him mauling and moving around incoming defenders, and playing with a violent streak, he was no scrub when it came to opening up running lanes as well.

While not a polished product, Duncan’s upside will be hard to pass up, especially in terms of raw talent, size, and strength, with the latter two being major deciding factors in drafting up linemen.