Raiders 2019 UDFA Scouting Report: Lester Cotton among challengers for left guard job

Lester Cotton, G, Alabama

Measurables

6’4”, 325 lbs

24 reps bench press

Stats

2018: 10 starts at LG

2017: 13 starts RG

2016: 5 starts RG

Awards

None

Strengths

A massive man, with brute power once he gets his hands on you. A mauler with a nasty streak. Loves to finish his blocks by burying defenders into the ground.

Weaknesses

Struggles in zone blocking, which could be an issue playing for offensive line coach Tom Cable. Has trouble getting to linebackers at the second level. Quicker, more athletic defensive tackles can give him problems if he does not get his hands on them quickly.

Verdict

Cotton has the experience and pedigree you like to see coming out of a power five school. He would benefit from a power run scheme versus zone blocking. He plays with the toughness and edge that former guard Kelechi Osemele played with, but lacks the athleticism. Overall, his style of play fits with Gruden’s attitude of old school, smash mouth football.

Fit with Raiders

Currently Denzelle Good has the leg up on the left guard spot, but Gruden said it’s ‘wide open’ with plenty of contenders. Monday that the Raiders brought Richie Incognito in for a workout but it remains to be seen if he will sign on. Gruden said the plan is to add competition to the position and let the best man win. Cotton will join the battle for left guard plays out this spring and summer.