Las Vegas Raiders can trade back in the first round and still check a big need off of their list
The Las Vegas Raiders have so many different things they can do in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. They need a quarterback, but with every other team ahead of them in the draft order in the same boat, it will be difficult to trade up for the guys they want. The second-tier […]
The Las Vegas Raiders have so many different things they can do in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. They need a quarterback, but with every other team ahead of them in the draft order in the same boat, it will be difficult to trade up for the guys they want. The second-tier QBs could be available in the second round.
They could go with a cornerback in the first round, which is actually what I think they should do in a perfect situation. A lot of people want them to go with an offensive tackle – another position they need. However, since both of those positions are so deep in this year's class, I think they should at least think about doing something else – something I haven't seen anyone talk about yet.
The Raiders should contemplate trading back in the first round, where they can still get a player that checks a need off the list, but trading back could get you more draft capital.
Raiders could trade back and target OG Graham Barton
The Raiders' current offensive guard situation is not good. They have one on the roster in Jordan Meredith, whom they re-signed not too long ago. Meredith is not a quality starter. We have talked about three veteran guards the Raiders can sign to help fill that void, but the closer we get to the draft, the more it seems that won't be happening.
So, why not go and get who is, to me, the best guard in the draft in Graham Barton?
On A to Z Sports' Big Board, Barton is the 25th overall prospect and the third overall guard. However, the two guards above him are often being mocked as tackles. Barton can play guard, which is what the Raiders need. But he's a guard because of his arm length. If you ask him, it doesn't matter though.
"You win blocks with your feet," Barton told A to Z Sports' Travis May. "If your feet aren't in the right place, you're gonna get beat…They don't care what your arm length is if you produce on Sunday."
Here are some of Barton's strengths and weaknesses:
STRENGTHS
- Explosive athlete fits any running scheme
- Excellent slide quickness to mirror inside counters & carry speed rushers up the arc
- Patient & accurate hand usage
- 3.5 year starter, played center as a freshman
- Good knee-bend & ankle-flexion when dropping his anchor
- Unlocks hips & genrates torque to redirect power rushes
- Stays centered to drive/down blocks & moves defenders off the LOS
- Excellent vision/mobility to pick up stunts & blitzes
- Good zone blocker. Takes what the defender gives him & lets the RB make him right
- Firm grip strength to stay connected to blocks
WEAKNESSES
- Short arms for a tackle. Will need to move inside in the NFL
- Out of control at the 2nd level. Over-extends & ends up on the ground too often
- Gets walked back by power when pass rushers get hands on his frame
- Run blocking tape was dominant in 2022, good in 2023
- Needs to improve his balance as a run blocker
- Below average play strength in pass pro. Had some quick collapses vs. power
- Crowds pass rushers' space without establishing contact. Needs to preserve that distance if he isn't jump setting
- Clicks heels/narrows his base at the top of his set
- Undersets & gives speed rushers a short corner
Barton also had an insane RAS score, finishing 9.99/10.00 and ranked three out of 1532 OG from 1987 to 2024. The RAS score, or Relative Athletic Score, shows just how athletic a player is. And, even with his shorter arms, it's apparent that Barton is a freak athlete.
He is easily a player the Raiders should consider in the first round.
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