It’s no secret that the Raiders will enter this year’s draft looking for a quarterback, but in an appearance this week on the team’s flagship radio station, GM Tom Telesco referenced two other position groups as a “work in progress.”
Speaking with JT the Brick and Eric Allen on the JT the Brick Show, Telesco emphasized the team’s offensive line and cornerback positions as priority needs moving into free agency and the draft.
Here’s a summarization of the GM’s comments on both positions…
Offensive Line
Telesco said he is pleased with the left side of the offensive line having Kolton Miller, Dylan Parham, and Andre James under contract, but is “still getting that group together” on the right side.
Telesco added that the run blocking needs to improve and the coaching staff is considering using 2022 seventh-round pick Thayer Munford at both guard and right tackle.
With only five weeks to figure out a solution on the right side of the line, look for a starting-caliber guard and tackle to be added to the roster and Munford will have an opportunity to compete at both positions.
Cornerback
Telesco was impressed by the way Jack Jones “really flashed” last year and called Nate Hobbs a “proven” player. Other than those two and a brief mention of Brandon Facyson, Telesco said the Raiders’ cornerback room is young and needs more depth and competition to be added through the draft and free agency.
“It just seems like once the season starts, you get into September, if you get some injuries at corner they’re just not easy to find. You need a lot of them,” Telesco said.
With the 13th-overall pick in the draft, the Raiders could be in position to draft the top cornerback or right tackle on their draft board.
If both happen to be available, it will be interesting to see which position they prioritize.
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