With the 98th and 99th picks in the draft, the Raiders addressed their offensive line with two lineman the team hopes will figure into the starting lineup much sooner than later.
Texas Tech OL Caleb Rogers and William & Mary OT Charles Grant were relative unknowns to most fans going into the draft but went to the Raiders in back-to-back picks at the end of the third round.
There have been a few writeups on the upside of Rogers and Grant, but one of the most encouraging reports around the Raiders’ two newest offensive linemen showed up in a Bay Area report by San Francisco 49ers insider Matt Barrows.
According to Barrows, the 49ers were targeting Rogers and Grant with the no. 100 pick in the draft, but watched both targets get scooped up by Raiders GM John Spytek with the two picks ahead of them.
“The 49ers spent a lot of time with both of those guys [Rogers and Grant],” Barrows said on The TK Show. “They actually brought in Caleb Rogers for a visit. I think the 49ers thought one of those guys was going to be there and that old Pete Carroll did a number on them… I do think they did intend to take a tackle on day 2 and the guy got swiped.”
Every year there are local reports about the home team getting players that everyone else wanted in the draft, but it was a particularly interesting acknowledgement by a Bay Area reporter to say the Raiders got two of the 49ers’ targets in succession at the tail end of the third round.
If nothing else, San Francisco’s reported interested in Rogers and Grant seems to validate the picks by Spytek and should give the Raiders a little extra to feel good about.
Going into the draft, there was some uncertainty in Las Vegas around veteran offensive tackle Kolton Miller because of a reported holdout coming in OTAs.
But Miller was in attendance at a workout with the team soon after the draft, and that means the situation between the veteran O-lineman and the team can’t be that bad.
These were voluntary workouts, so Miller could have easily checked out and decided not to attend. But his presence with the team this week should be considered a good sign that he’ll be with the Raiders when it matters most in the 2025 season.
x: @raidersbeat
I’m relieved that the team has addressed the OL needs during the draft. Resigning Miller to a 2-3yr contract that is commensurate with his skill level is the thing to do. With the injuries that occur throughout the season, I’m sure, both, Rogers and Grant will have opportunities to showcase their talents. Kudos to the GM on his first draft. I am convinced that we’ll be a much improved team next season.
Raiders fan since the glory days of the early 70’s.
You’re a fan from the 70’s glory days? Those were the commitment to excellence and pride and poise days. Considering what’s been happening the past 24 years you gotta be turning in your grave before you even get there 🤦🏾♂️