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Oakland Raiders: Ranking biggest team needs in 2019 NFL Draft

By Maurice Moton

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 17: Jamal Adams #33 of the New York Jets matches up against Kelechi Osemele #70 of the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 17: Jamal Adams #33 of the New York Jets matches up against Kelechi Osemele #70 of the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

3. Offensive Guard

Oakland traded left guard Kelechi Osemele and a sixth-round pick to the New York Jets for a fifth-rounder, which leaves a void on the offensive line. At the moment, Denzelle Good would lead the group for a first-string role, but he’s started 23 games in four seasons since coming into the league as a seventh-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts.

In 2018, Good opened four contests with the starters and allowed nine pressures, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). It’s a small sample size and not enough to put his name in pen among the first-unit personnel. He could compete for the spot during training camp.

If Gruden and Mayock plan to elevate the ground attack, they must seek an upgrade on the interior. According to Las Vegas Review-Journal‘s Michael Gehlken, the Raiders head coach has eyes for Boston College guard Chris Lindstrom. “He said, ‘I’d love to take you back to Oakland,’” Lindstrom said.

Lindstrom displayed toughness, power and a little nastiness in his play style during the Senior Bowl game. The Boston College product took a majority of his snaps at right guard during his collegiate career. He could slide into the starting spot next to Rodney Hudson on the inside.

Guards aren’t flashy picks, but Gruden has a track record of establishing the ground attack. His words to Lindstrom may come to fruition on Day 1 or Day 2 of the draft. If so, the Raiders would likely have a ready rookie starter on the offensive line.

For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe to PFF’s EDGE or ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.

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