Top NFL Draft analyst has concerns about potential Raiders first-round pick
The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into the draft with a pretty high pick, which means a lot of pressure on their shoulders. They need to get this pick right, especially because they are due to have a better season than last year, where everything went terribly. They have needs that need to be filled […]
The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into the draft with a pretty high pick, which means a lot of pressure on their shoulders. They need to get this pick right, especially because they are due to have a better season than last year, where everything went terribly.
They have needs that need to be filled all over their roster. The defense is the biggest priority, of course, but the offense has some areas that could use some improvements too. One of the more recognizable on that side of the ball is the offensive line.
One of the top draft prospects at a position of need for the Raiders is Paris Johnson out of Ohio State. But, one draft analyst has some concerns about teams who could potentially take him in the top 10.
"Against Iowa, and there were a number of snaps in which Lucas Van Ness just speed to power, bull rushed him, and just drove him right back into the pocket," Greg Cossell of ESPN said. "And, you know, those visuals, I can't get out of my head. I think he's a little mechanical and robotic, with some stiffness as a pass protector at the left tackle position. You know, people think he's a great athlete. I didn't quite see him as a great athlete. I saw him as a, you know, as a good athlete."
That's not something you like to hear. Sure, Van Ness is huge, strong, quick, and fast – all of the things you want in a prospect, but that's in college. That is a college guy that Johnson struggled with. Not everyone, but almost everyone he plays against in the NFL will be like that.
The Raiders don't need an offensive line as much as other positions on their team. Hopefully, the Raiders see the same thing that Cossell saw and it only makes the Raiders' decision that much easier to go defense.
