Raiders 7-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Las Vegas trades down in Round 1
Raiders 7-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Las Vegas trades down in Round 1
As we move into the last four rounds of the draft, the Raiders can start to focus on some under-the-radar prospects including some offensive line projects. Blake Freeland out of BYU is a great example of a player with great physical tools that need to be coached up a bit to be more effective at the professional level.
Freeland is 6-8 and 305lbs with elite speed and wingspan for a man his size. He played left tackle for the Cougars in the last two seasons but as a freshman and sophomore, he exclusively played right tackle. He has given up just two sacks in his college career at either position, and that versatility makes him incredibly valuable as a swing tackle.
Freeland could easily take over the right tackle job with enough coaching and perhaps if he fills out a bit to better handle the power rushers he will see on the right side.
The combination of athleticism and size that he possesses helped him dominate at the college level, but he will definitely need to work on his technique as a pass protector against more athletic edge rushers. The Raiders have a great offensive line coach in Carmen Bricillo and he helped turn a much-maligned unit into one that was closer to the league average.
Bricillo can help develop Freeland into a potential starter but he can contribute immediately as a swing tackle or sixth offensive lineman in certain sets.