FanPost

The Case for Drafting a Tackle in the 3rd Round

GM, Reggie Mckenzie’s philosophy is to build the trenches. Although it may seem like the offensive line is fortified with the free agent addition of Kelechi Osemele and the resigning of Donald Penn. The Raiders could still use an upgrade at the Right Tackle position. Although Austin Howard is serviceable he does not match up well with the elite defensive ends that rush from the offensive right. The raiders have to see Demarcus Ware/ Von Miller and Justin Houston/ Tamba Hali twice a year and Howard just cannot be trusted in one on one situations against them. The Raiders are a spread team that run a lot of five to six man protection, so they ask their tackles to protect in one on one situations.

Another factor to consider is Donald Penn’s age, the Raiders already flirted with letting Penn go to look for a younger replacement this offseason. The team needs a young left tackle to add to the young and talented nucleus of Carr, Cooper, Jackson, and Walford. An ideal pick would be for the Raiders to get a tackle that can compete or start at RT until he is ready to take over for Penn when Father Time has taken his course. Finding another tackle to protecting the Raiders young franchise quarterback must be a priority on day 2 because the drop off in talent after rounds 3 could be steep.

Jason Spriggs the top of the second tier tackles was selected near the end of the second round and the run of offensive tackles could very well happen in the third round. It'll be hard to find a potential starter after the third round so if there is a tackle that Mckenzie likes, pulling the trigger would solidify the offensive line.