The Las Vegas Raiders have the number one pick in the draft, and everyone is expecting that to be Fernando Mendoza. However, there are other positions of need for the Raiders, and one of them is the offensive
line.
Throughout the season, the Offensive line has been a topic of discussion with viral videos displaying their mistakes. It is vital for them to upgrade, and while it will start in free agency, the draft will help build it up for the future.
One of the first destinations for the draft is the Senior Bowl. It is the place where team’s and get their first look at prospects during live practices and conduct interviews with players. There is plenty of offensive line talent available that could help elevate the Raiders’ offensive line immediately.
Emmanuel Pregnon OG, Oregon
One of the highest graded guards participating at the Senior Bowl is Oregon interior offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon. Pregnon transferred from USC and had his best year in college. He allowed five pressures all season and no sacks in 15 games for the Oregon Ducks. At 6’5 and 318 pounds, he is scheme diverse, excelling in zone and gap schemes. He could be a day 2 option for the Raiders.
Keylan Rutledge, OG, Georgia Tech
Another standout player is Keylan Rutledge from Georgia Tech. Rutledge is a big body at the guard position at 330 pounds with great athleticism for the position. Running mostly a power scheme in Georgia Tech’s offense, Rutledge is great when being pulled and smashing linebackers, and he helped Georgia Tech have one of the best run games in the country. At the Senior Bowl, scouts will have a chance to see more traditional pass blocking reps that were not seen on film during his time with the Yellow Jackets. If he excels, he could shoot up boards with his skills as a run blocker.
Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
The tackles for the Raiders this season gave up 21 sacks, and Max Iheanachor from Arizona State could be a player who adds competition. Iheanachor is huge at 6’6 and 330 pounds, but is light on his feet as a right tackle. One of his best games of the year was against the expected first-round pass rusher, David Bailey from Texas Tech. Iheanachor had a first-round buzz heading into 2025, but did struggle at times during the season, allowing 14 pressures. If he has a good week of practice, he could be a player the Raiders’ scouts look at to help upgrade the tackle position.
