Raiders select Virginia Tech OT Christian Darrisaw in latest PFF mock draft

With less than a month to go until the 2021 NFL draft, it’s starting to become clear what the Raiders will do in the first round. The team has needs on defense, specifically in the secondary, but no need is bigger than the hole they have at right tackle.

If the season were to start today, the Raiders would likely need to slide Denzelle Good to right tackle or play Brandon Parker. Neither option is preferred as the Raiders would love to grab a Day 1 starter at pick No. 17.

The ideal fit would be Christian Darrisaw from Virginia Tech, who is widely regarded as the third-best offensive lineman in this class behind Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater. And in the latest Pro Football Focus mock draft, that is who Austin Gayle had falling to the Raiders:

Darrisaw is the complete package at offensive tackle. He is a dominant run blocker and can move defenders off the line of scrimmage with ease. In pass-sets, his feet are smooth and he is very patient. If he were to slide to right tackle in the NFL, he could become a Pro Bowl player right away as that is just how talented he is.

If Darrisaw were to somehow fall to the Raiders at pick No. 17, it would be a homerun selection. Don’t be surprised if Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden consider trading up into the draft to secure him given how talented he is and how big of a need the team has at offensive tackle.

Darrisaw should be the team’s No. 1 target entering the draft.

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