The Las Vegas Raiders still have a few problems they need to fix. They need a quarterback, but they also need someone who can protect that QB. That's where the draft comes in.
They have eight draft picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, and should use at least two of them on the offensive line. They need an offensive tackle, which I think they will address earlier in the draft, and they need an offensive guard.
They picked up Greg Van Roten last offseason, and he played well in the pass game. However, it would appear the team has no plans of bringing him back for the 2024 season. We have talked about three veteran guards out there that they can still bring back for this season, but if they decide not to, which I think they won't bring any in, then they should draft a guard.
They just re-signed Jordan Meredith to the roster, and he is fine. However, there is more work to be done, and I think they can get someone better than Meredith in the fourth round. His name is Christian Mahogany, and you won't forget it - mainly because it's a pretty cool name and because when you see how big and physical he is at the position, well, you will be pretty impressed.
Mahogany has had top-30 visits with several teams, but there is a reason he is projected to go in the fourth round on a lot of big boards, including ours. Despite not allowing a sack last season, Mahogany has had injury issues that have held him back on draft boards.
Here are some of Mahogany's strengths and weaknesses:
STRENGTHS
- Massive, wide frame
- Explosive getting downfield as a puller
- Violent & powerful drive blocker. Consistently moves DL 5+ yards off the LOS
- Heavy hands & relentless leg-drive to clear out rushing lanes
- Replaces punch & re-fits his hands throughout the rep
- Good target location in open space
- Can slide his feet & stay in front of secondary moves
WEAKNESSES
- Limited zone blocking range. Struggles to win difficult backside cutoffs
- Tentative/soft punch gives rushers early control
- Late reactions & inconsistent depth vs. stunts
- Struggles to mirror quick movement across gaps
- Didn't have many true pass sets in Boston College's run/play action heavy scheme
- Missed all of 2022 with an injury
- Launches himself into block attempts & doesn't always sustain
If it were up to me, I'd say the Raiders take a chance on him; develop him, and have an elite offensive line for years to come with Kolton Miller, Dylan Parham, Andre James, Christian Mahogany, and Patrick Paul. In fact, it's the perfect idea.
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