Despite wide receiver and linebacker being the two biggest needs for the Raiders heading into 2020, we can’t neccesairly bank on them using their two first-round picks to upgrade those positions. Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden are building this team from the inside out and have put an emphasis on finding young defensive line talent.
Luckily for the Raiders, the 2020 draft is loaded with players across the defensive line, specifically at defensive tackle. One player that has to be considered for a possible first-round selection is South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw.
At 6’6, 310 pounds, Kinlaw has played all across the defensive line for the Gamecocks this season. In 12 games, he’s recorded 35 tackles, six tackles for a loss and six sacks. He was recently given to the Raiders in a mock draft by Pro Football Focus at pick No. 18:
The Raiders get their version of division rival Chris Jones. At 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, Kinlaw has all the physical traits you could want. Oh, and he also has the on-field production, with 40 pressures and a 90.7 pass-rushing grade this year.
The Raiders have some young defensive tackles that they like in Maurice Hurst and P.J. Hall, along with veteran Johnathan Hankins. But it’s a spot on the team that could always use more help. If Oakland wants to continue to upgrade their pass-rush, selecting Kinlaw would undoubtedly help. Keep an eye on him during the draft process as a possible selection for the Raiders.
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