Regarding the offensive line, the Las Vegas Raiders need to add more depth this off-season. With many of the team’s starting positions in flux, the team will likely make additions. Specifically, the guard position is one that the Silver and Black will address in the NFL Draft. For a line that was bullied at times in 2022, the team needs more power up front. Florida’s O’Cyrus Torrence can quickly rectify the team’s interior offensive line.
O’Cyrus Torrence’s Background
Torrence hails from Greensburg, Louisiana, where he was a two-time First Team All-District honoree as a junior and senior at St. Helena Central High School. The 6-foot-5, 350-pound bruiser was ranked as the 158th-best prospect in the nation and the 68th-best in Louisiana. Despite receiving an offer from Georgia, O’Cyrus decided to attend the University of Louisiana for his first three collegiate seasons. In that timeframe, he started 35 games for the Ragin’ Cajuns. As a sophomore, he earned second-team All-Sunbelt honors before earning first-team All-Sunbelt honors in his junior season. He transferred to the University of Florida for his senior year, started 11 games, and earned first-team All-American and All-SEC honors. He is a decorated ironman starter who has been a dominant force for the past four years in the college ranks.
O'Cyrus Torrence: 88.0 PFF Grade this season
1st among Power 5 Guards🔥 pic.twitter.com/PFHHeVf1ZN
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 21, 2022
O’Cyrus Torrence’s Play Strength is Second to None
When it comes to power, Torrence’s forte’ is just that at the guard position.
How would #Florida RG O’Cyrus Torrence #54 look after transferring from the Sun Belt to the SEC?
Like a player who wants to be a 1st round pick.
10 transfer prospects boosting their NFL Draft grades at their new home: https://t.co/wpqAlEEx6y pic.twitter.com/ewrl9BrDoM
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 16, 2022
As you can see above, Torrence displays a quick first step in the run game to be a force at the point of attack. With an incredible physical frame, above-average grip strength, and pad leverage – the Louisiana native parts the seas for runners behind him. In pass protection, he is savvy and displays a great anchor when the moment calls for it.
Wrote about Torrence and others a few weeks back here: https://t.co/IJyEm1lUTJ
Torrence’s scouting report: https://t.co/kwZvRYQrD3
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) February 1, 2023
However, what separates the four-year division one starter is a trait you cannot teach.
Competitive Toughness Goes a Long Way
For offensive linemen, sometimes competitive toughness can mask other deficiencies.
Guard O’Cyrus Torrence
Gets hand leverage for feed blocks
Pries holes open w/ torque
DRIVER and finisher
Good balance in run game
A wall once he leverages his gap
STRONG hands and placement
Stymies stunts w/ length and pop in his handspic.twitter.com/W97E2dVWjW— Cover 1 (@Cover1) January 1, 2023
For O’Cyrus Torrence, his athletic ability is average, but there is nothing wrong with that as a guard. You will be hard-pressed to find another interior lineman who finishes plays consistently with an attitude. While some may nitpick his footwork, the former Gator offers plenty for any NFL offense with a gap-heavy run-blocking scheme.
O’Cyrus Torrence Would Be a Great Fit for the Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders have a promising young interior offensive lineman in Dylan Parham. But, aside from him, the Raiders’ interior offensive line needs more talent. Head coach Josh McDaniels could acquire another reliable and talented guard in the 2023 NFL Draft. With All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs behind him, it could lead to another incredible year in 2023, with O’Cyrus Torrence paving the way for him.
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*Top Photo: Getty Images
