How Raiders could find value at No. 22
The Las Vegas Raiders have a plethora of needs across the board but the good news is that they don’t have any potential cap casualties on the rise--as salary cap health is currently sitting at $17.9M.
New GM Dave Ziegler will likely keep the core roster in place--instead utilizing free-agency to potentially make under-the-radar plays to fill a need before the coveted 2022 NFL draft.
Based on my analytics the following needs are as follow:
WR, OT, OG, OC, NT, DE, CB
The Raiders transition to a 3-4 base from a traditional 4-3 front under new DC Patrick Graham will surely add some personnel obstacles, but luckily for Las Vegas, they have the personnel to make a somewhat seamless transition.
On offense, it’s new OC Mick Lombardi’s show--under the tutelage of HC Josh McDaniels. The type of offensive scheme should see a balanced attack that takes advantage of its player’s strengths.
McDaniels is a mastermind at putting his players in the best position to make plays--that should help skill players like WR Hunter Renfrow and TE Darren Waller in 2022.
But the question remains, what do they do at No. 22? In order to answer that question, we first must address free agency frenzy.
Many teams fill glaring needs in the free-agent market setting themselves up for draft flexibility come May.
However, for the sake of the article, I will bypass that parameter and identify five-valued prospects that will likely be available when the Raiders are on the clock at No. 22. These prospects all fit the team’s new cultural identity while also filling a need. So without further ado, here are my hot five picks…
WR Jameson Williams (6-2, 179)
Analysis: The Raiders have an affinity for Alabama products much like Ravens GM Eric DeCosta has an affinity for Oklahoma Sooners. Aside from that, Williams would instantly give the Silver & Black a deep threat between the 20s with added value in the return game.
It’s true, that you can find WRs later in the draft, but when it comes to Williams, those don’t grow on trees. I can see the Raiders replacing one Bama product (WR Henry Ruggs) with another in 2022 despite Williams’ torn ACL.
OC Tyler Linderbaum (6-2, 296)
Analysis: The Raiders need to revamp the OL but have little cap space to work with. Traditionally, centers don’t get drafted as high due to being a less premium position. This is where value meets BPA.
Linderbaum didn’t perform at the combine but the Raiders shouldn’t be dissuaded. He’s a 10+ year center who can QB the OL for years to come while easily replacing OC Andre James.
NT Jordan Davis (6-6, 341)
Analysis: The workout warrior is perfect for the Raiders transition to a 3-4 base. Much like Linderbaum being an OC, the NT doesn’t garner much love either as they are typically two-down players. This can benefit the Raiders simply because again, the need meets BPA.
Davis won’t wow you in the pass rush category, but make no mistake, he’s a man among boys as a two-gap space-eater, while easily being the heart and soul of the new-look Raiders defensive front.
OG Zion Johnson (6-3, 312)
Analysis: A throwback phone-booth guard, Johnson has the functional strength to move people off their grass at the POA. He understands the leverage game while rolling his hips allowing for the framework to take over.
Rarely seen caught out of position while doing an exceptional job on combo/reach blocks, Johnson is always looking for 2nd level work once he gets vertical. He can be an instant plug-and-play while upgrading the interior.
OG Kenyon Green (6-4, 323)
Analysis: A mauler in the run-game, Green wins time and time again. At 6-4, 323, Green has experience playing the piano along the line, adding value to his game. He can drive block on the interior or anchor as an OT.
Ideally, I believe he is best suited for OG but his versatility and quick feet will allow an NFL team to make that decision once he arrives. No question, Green struggled at the NFL combine but the film doesn’t lie--he’s a first-round pick and should be available when the Raiders are on the clock.
As the 2022 NFL draft approaches, it will be interesting to see how this all plays out, as the first puzzle piece falls into place (free-agency).