The Las Vegas Raiders have a lot to figure out on the interior of their offensive line as starters Andre James and guard Greg Van Roten are both free agents this offseason.
Regardless of what either player chooses to do in free agency, it is critical that the Raiders add depth to the guard room. In the 2024 NFL Draft, there will be plenty of talent at the guard position for the Raiders to consider.
Guard Zak Zinter of Michigan is one of the best guards in the draft class and is a prospect who should be off the board by the third round at the latest.
Zinter was part of one of the best offensive lines in the nation this past season before his career with the Wolverines was cut short when he suffered a broken fibia and tibia against Ohio State, ending his final collegiate campaign. Despite the injury, Zinter was named to the All-Big Ten First Team and was also named a unanimous first-team All-American. He was also a William V. Campbell Trophy finalist, a Rotary Lombardi award semifinalist, and an Outland Trophy semifinalist.
Pro Football Focus gave Zinter an overall grade of 76.6, a run-blocking grade of 75.8, a pass-blocking grade of 73.8, a zone grade of 72.9, and a gap grade of 72.2 for his 2023 season.
Zinter started in 42 of the 45 games he played over his four seasons at Michigan. He was one of the many players who helped get the Wolverines back to the top of the college football world as they won three straight Big Ten titles, made three consecutive trips to the College Football Playoff, and ultimately won the 2023 national title.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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