The most recent odds have the Raiders addressing the offensive line with their top pick in the draft tonight. So too does NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah in his final mock draft.
Jeremiah has the Raiders nabbing USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker with their pick at 17.
“Las Vegas continues to remake its offensive line. Vera-Tucker is one of the best and safest players in the draft.”
Jeremiah has the Raiders making this pick with tackles Christian Darrisaw and Teven Jenkins both still on the board.
Though Vera-Tucker was named first-team All-Pac 12 as a left tackle last season, he was a second-team All-Pac 12 guard the season before and that’s where he projects in the pros. He is easily the draft’s best guard and would figure to be an instant starter for the Raiders should they make him the pick.
This off-season the Raiders traded away three of their starting offensive linemen and added only former Texans center Nick Martin, so, while tackle is the more pressing need, they could use a guard as well. Especially with Richie Incognito likely entering his final NFL season at the age of 38.
This is a deep draft at tackle, so the Raiders will have a shot at getting a starting right tackle probably into the third round.
