Raiders: One rookie that could have a huge impact in 2022
The Las Vegas Raiders have the opportunity to compete this year just solely based on the talent they have on their roster. This past offseason, they added to that by way of the draft. While the Raiders didn't have the most polarizing draft, they were still able to snag some good players. No, they didn't […]
The Las Vegas Raiders have the opportunity to compete this year just solely based on the talent they have on their roster. This past offseason, they added to that by way of the draft.
While the Raiders didn't have the most polarizing draft, they were still able to snag some good players. No, they didn't have a pick until the third round, but the guys they did pick have potential.
Some of them, or most of them, honestly, won't play a ton this year and are developmental pieces, which is okay. But, there is one that has a chance at making an impact this season if things go his way.
Raiders' Munford could be impactful if given a chance
With the recent departure of former first-round pick Alex Leatherwood, the Raiders' rookie and seventh-round pick could be impactful if given the chance.
As soon as the Raiders cut Leatherwood, Munford's chances at getting to play more immediately went up. Before the season started, it looked like Brandon Parker would be the starter at the position, but that isn't going to happen.
Due to a triceps injury, he suffered in the first preseason game, Parker was placed on the injured reserved list, which means he will not be playing this season.
Munford missed some practice as well for a few days, but came back strong and showed he didn't miss a step.
Now, it's Munford's' time to shine.
During the preseason Munford didn't look great, but he definitely didn't look bad. I think he can build off his preseason and training camp performances and only get better as the season goes on.
Munford is easily better than what Leatherwood was showing this offseason and preseason, and he was starting. Now was he a good starter? Not at all.
Munford has shown so much potential from what we have seen of him in college at Ohio State, and in the preseason games we have seen.
He showed a great ability to get his hands up and counter chops, which is something that for some reason Leatherwood couldn't do.
In the offseason and preseason, we have seen that the offensive line may be the one and only weakness for the Raiders. Munford can potentially fix that.
If he does, it will look like the steal of the draft as the Raiders were able to get him in the seventh round.
Now, it could also go terribly for the Raiders and Munford, but I'm extremely confident in his abilities he has shown to start slow, and only get better as the season goes. I think by the year's end, he could be an impactful player for a playoff team in the Las Vegas Raiders.
Featured Image Via Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
