NFL expert has Raiders getting great depth late on day three of the NFL draft
The Las Vegas Raiders still have some depth pieces they need to get in the draft, and one ESPN analyst has them getting a guy who could be the perfect backup. They fixed just about every issue on offense they have positionally. Sure, they could still use some help in some places but for the […]
The Las Vegas Raiders still have some depth pieces they need to get in the draft, and one ESPN analyst has them getting a guy who could be the perfect backup.
They fixed just about every issue on offense they have positionally. Sure, they could still use some help in some places but for the most part, their offense looks like it can be a well-oiled machine.
But, they haven't really done anything with the offensive line. Matt Miller of ESPN has the Raiders getting a depth piece for the offensive line with the Raiders' late third round pick. He has them grabbing LSU guard Anthony Bradford, who would be a great depth piece and could possibly eventually start after some development.
Anthony Bradford, G, LSU
Bradford is a mauler at 6-4 and 332 pounds, and he would push for rookie snaps at right guard, where his upper-level mobility could really boost the run game.
–ESPN
Here is what the Las Vegas Raiders would be getting in Bradford, as told by NFL.com.
Massive, scheme-specific guard prospect with plus power but obvious athletic limitations. Bradford has functional quickness as a pulling guard and can work from one block to the next with adequate timing. He can be effective as a single blocker but really shines on double teams, where he can help clear the pathway. His lack of lateral quickness and reactive athleticism can put him in a bind against one-gapping defensive tackles and sub-package rushers with short-area twitch. Bradford has the potential to become an eventual starter for gap and power teams.
The Raiders will have plenty of options to get offensive line guys earlier, but the thought process is that they will focus on defense early on, as they should. This class is stacked with defensive talent, which the Raiders need more than anything. The offensive line isn't a huge need, but depth there is a need.
They had some guys up front go in and out of the lineup, so depth is key. Bradford also has starter potential a few years down the road. This would be a great call.
