The offensive tackle position is very deep in this year’s NFL draft, which bodes well for the Las Vegas Raiders. Nonetheless, a recent mock has the Silver and Black selecting Oklahoma State’s Teven Jenkins with the 17th overall pick.
In all likelihood, the Raiders will be in an interesting position when the opening day of the draft rolls around. They could have a choice between Jenkins, Christian Darrisaw, or Alijah Vera-Tucker when they’re on the clock. Any of these picks could be solid additions to the offensive line. Darrisaw is widely considered a solid prospect and Vera-Tucker would bring versatility. However, a name that’s gaining steam in reports and mock drafts is Jenkins.
The former Oklahoma State Cowboy would surely be an instant starter if drafted by Las Vegas. Pro Football Focus graded Jenkins 92.0 overall for the 2020 campaign off of 248 snaps played. His other grades were also impressive, posting a 93.6 run-blocking grade along with 76.3 in the pass-blocking department. The six-foot-six and 320-pound behemoth could have the Raiders set at right tackle for the next decade.
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Jenkins Could Very Well End Up Being The Pick For The Raiders
One of those mocks that believes Jenkins will be the pick is one that the Las Vegas Review-Journal recently published. Adam Hill featured Jenkins as the 17th overall pick for the Raiders in his full NFL first-round mock.
“The Raiders don’t have to take a tackle even though most mocks seem to believe they do. But Jenkins not only fits a need, he should be able to step right into a starting role and give Las Vegas a bookend tackle to go with Kolton Miller. He only allowed four pressures on 211 pass-blocking snaps last season at Oklahoma State.”
It’s also true that the Silver and Black could use more pass rushers, and this draft will have plenty of them. Also, they need a safety, but they could find one in the second or third round. Drafting Jenkins makes sense and ensures the offensive line is set for the next few years is a bigger one.
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*Top Photo: Brody Schmidt/Associated Press
