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The Las Vegas Raiders acquired Davante Adams from the Green Bay Packers in a blockbuster trade in March. The Raiders included both their first- and second-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft in the deal. That means Vegas will be spectators on day one of the draft, and they won't make a selection until the latter half of day two. But with the 86th pick, the Raiders should be targeting one man in particular who could make an immediate impact nonetheless. Central Michigan tackle Luke Goedeke is the perfect prospect for a Raiders team needing o-line help.
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Why Luke Goedeke is the perfect fit for the Raiders in the 2022 NFL Draft
3. NFL ready
Goedeke is a former tight end who transitioned to tackle at Central Michigan. But you wouldn't know it from his technique. Goedeke resembles an NFL veteran with great hand placement and balance. He's best in the run game, netting a 94.3 PFF run block grade in his final season with the Chippewas. But he's no slouch in the pass game, and his overall grade of 92.2 was sixth best in the nation for tackles.
Many NFL scouts project Goedeke as a guard in the NFL due to his shorter arms. But a move inside would likely play to his strengths. He would avoid the speed rushers that occasionally gave him trouble at Central Michigan. And his ability to get to the second level will shine more at an interior position. But either position Vegas puts him in, Goedeke should be able to contribute immediately on an offensive line that has a lot of questions heading into 2022.
2. Fits positional need
PFF ranked the Raiders offensive line 28th in the NFL in 2022. That was the worst ranking among playoff teams. 2021 first-round pick Alex Leatherwood spent time at right tackle and right guard. But he gave up a league high 65 pressures on his way to averaging a lousy 29.0 pass block grade. Leatherwood was also flagged 14 times in 2021. Brandon Parker finished the year at right tackle, but he was underwhelming as well. Both Leatherwood and Parker allowed eight sacks, good enough to tie for second most in the league.
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To say the Raiders need help on the right side of the line would be an understatement. Goedeke could slot in at either right guard or tackle should Leatherwood or Parker struggle early.
1. Scheme fit
Even after the Davante Adams trade, the Raiders should want to run the ball. Like it or not, quarterback Derek Carr has limitations. And establishing the run with a powerful back like Josh Jacobs should be a priority under new head coach Josh McDaniels. Even during the Brady years, McDaniels prioritized stout run blockers on the Patriots' offensive line.
Well, Goedeke loves to get his hands dirty in the run game. His hand placement makes him a mover not a wrestler, and allows him to shed defenders and get upfield with ease. Despite his length limitations, he has tremendous strength, and when he gets into a defender, it often results in an upfield push. Goedeke would be a dream addition for Jacobs.
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BONUS
The Raiders committed the second most penalties and gave up the most penalty yards last season. Sure, refs seem to love flagging the silver and black, but Goedeke's technique won't give them many opportunities to call his number.
