Oakland Raiders: 5 Potential 2019 NFL Draft targets to watch

Greg Little, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss

The Raiders just selected two offensive tackles in April’s draft. UCLA prospect Kolton Miller will have a shot to play on both sides of the line as a Donald Penn continues to nurse a Lisfranc injury.

Assuming Penn returns at full strength, he’ll probably retain his starting spot on the blindside, which allows Miller to take over on the right. The first-rounder will have ample time to develop as a staple on the offensive line.

Oakland selected offensive tackle Brandon Parker in the third round, which seems like a bit of a stretch, but he’ll have a fair chance to prove he can hang with tougher competition as an FCS standout from North Carolina A&T.

Penn will turn 36 years old next year without any dead money owed in the final year of his deal. If Parker doesn’t pan out as expected or shows he’s nowhere close to taking the field as a starter, the Raiders have to consider a top prospect at the position.

It seems excessive, but the second-most important thing after finding a franchise quarterback is providing quality protection around him. If Derek Carr goes down with an injury, season expectations go down the toilet.

Mississippi product Greg Little earned All-SEC freshman team honors and followed with second-team recognition at left tackle in the previous season.

Mississippi lost quarterback Shea Patterson after he tore his PCL in October. Jordan Ta’amu took over in his place. Through the transition, Little didn’t see a drop off in his play.

If Little doesn’t have to shift positions, the Raiders could target a three-year starter who replaced Laremy Tunsil and looked just as solid at the position.