The key to a good offense nowadays usually comes on the work of the offensive line.
The Las Vegas Raiders have worked on building themselves up in the trenches, drafting two starters in center Jackson Powers-Johnson and right tackle DJ Glaze this past April. Left tackle Kolton Miller continues to hold down the blindside, while right guard Jordan Meredith is having an underrated season.
While all of that is promising, there is still always going to be room for improvement. Miller is a free agent after next season, left guard continues to be a sticking point, and there will always be the need for depth everywhere along the line.
With that in mind, the Raiders will be in the market for a new starting guard, a developmental tackle who can be ready for meaningful starts next season, and depth across the board.
Who can the Raiders target that fit those descriptions?
Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia
The Raiders have been at their best when they have not been afraid to play nasty and get physical in the trenches. Ratledge is a prospect that can help them get back to that philosophy.
A three-year starter for the Bulldogs, Ratledge has the size and length that NFL scouts typically like to see in offensive guards, and both elements reflect in his overall play strength.
Ratledge is quick to process plays and knows exactly what he has to do. He has the strength to open up lanes for running backs while also anchoring down and keeping his position on pass protection sets.
Josh Conerly Jr., T, Oregon
When looking for developmental tackles, very few stand out quite the way Conerly does.
A two-year starter at left tackle for the Ducks, Conerly has served as the blindside tackle for first-round pick Bo Nix and Heisman finalist Dillon Gabriel,
That is not to say, however, that the high quality of quarterbacks has served a role in Conerly’s success. He possesses a prototypical blend of size and athleticism, allowing him to wall off edge rushers and recover quickly to prevent being burned on the first move.
His play strength is still a work in progress, but an NFL weight room will do him wonders in that area. Given the current timeline of a season until Miller hits free agency, drafting Conerly in the second or third as the heir apparent would fit with the Raiders’ plan.
Armand Membou, T, Missouri
One of the youngest players in the class, Membou fits perfectly with the timeline the Raiders are currently working under.
Membou has all of the raw tools necessary to succeed at the NFL level. He possesses good size and length, is freakishly strong on the play, and has the athleticism needed to keep pace with quicker edge rushers.
His skills shine most in pass protection, where his physical tools matched with his willingness to play rough give him the opportunity to latch onto opposing defensive linemen and keep them at bay. While his technique in those areas is still under development, it has gotten better as the season has progressed.
There are some NFL scouts who see Membou more as a guard, and he would need to learn to play left tackles after starting two years on the right. Still, going up against NFL-caliber pass rushers in the SEC is no easy feat, and Membou has been up for the challenge time and time again.
Grey Zabel, T, North Dakota State
While William and Mary’s Charles Grant is another FCS name worth noting, Zabel is more likely to attract the attention of NFL scouts.
The reason why Zabel is so well-regarded is simple: he is arguably the most versatile offensive line prospect in the class.
In his two-and-a-half seasons starting for the FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, Zabel has played at both tackle and guard spots. His projections at the NFL level are all across the board as a result, with some scouts believing he could even succeed as a center.
On top of being versatile, Zabel has shown flashes of brilliance in the run game, being able to leverage himself against defensive linemen and open up lanes quickly. With further development on play strength and proving himself in the draft process and against NFL talent, Zabel could be a mid-round steal.
Jonah Monheim, C, USC
In the same vein as Zabel, Monheim is bound to impress NFL scouts with his versatility.
Prior to starting at center for the Trojans this year, Monheim has served as a starter at both tackle positions as well as guard. Gaining the trust to move around the offensive line has been a positive showcase of Monheim’s impressive football acumen, as well as his athletic profile.
He stands out most in pass protection, where his fluidity of movement allows him to close the distance quickly against pass rushers. While he will need to get stronger to better stand up against nose tackles and stronger defensive linemen, those traits can be coached up over time.
Prospects with Monheim’s intelligence and versatility do not come around often, especially not those of his caliber. Another potential mid-round steal, Monheim would give the Raiders depth virtually everywhere along the offensive line, with the potential to claim a starting spot early in his career.
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