The Las Vegas Raiders enter the 2025-26 season with an opportunity to be much better than they were a year ago. For some fans, that might not mean much considering the Raiders‘ recent performances, but things are on the rise in Las Vegas, and that’s a promising sign.
There are some concerns for the Raiders, however, as they lack many weapons for Geno Smith, and some believe their offensive line isn’t good enough to keep him upright.
Seeking ways to improve, Fox Sports recently conducted a mock draft that had the Raiders selecting an offensive tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft. They had Las Vegas selecting Kadyn Proctor out of the University of Alabama.
“Mauigoa was the top-ranked offensive tackle in his high school class, but Proctor wasn’t far off at No. 2. He is a specimen at 6-foot-7, 366 pounds and gave up just three sacks last season (according to PFF). Arguably his best game came against a dominant Georgia defense, where he finished with a 91.7 PFF pass block grade. Proctor would be a great compliment opposite Kolton Miller, who the Raiders recently re-signed,” they wrote.
The Raiders’ Offensive Line Needs A Boost
When examining the top offensive lines in the NFL, Pro Football Focus recently ranked the Las Vegas Raiders at 18th. They note the unit is improving, but to reach the level they aspire to, it must take another step forward to become a decent NFL group.
“Following a slow start to his season during which he allowed multiple sacks, Kolton Miller showed in 2024 once again that he brings excellent pass-blocking chops at left tackle. His 82.2 PFF pass-blocking grade ranked 11th among all offensive tackles.
“Dylan Parham enjoyed a breakout season at left guard, posting a 17th-ranked 74.3 PFF overall grade. Right tackle DJ Glaze and center Jackson Powers-Johnson showed promising signs as rookies, but they need to take a step forward for the Raiders’ offensive line to be considered above average,” PFF wrote.
This goes to show how some view Las Vegas’ unit entering the year.
Is Kadyn Proctor the Right Fit?
Taking an offensive tackle in the 2026 NFL draft would be a good idea for the Las Vegas Raiders. It isn’t a guarantee that a tackle will be a star by any means, but if the Raiders can get a competent tackle with a top-10 pick and have him on their side for the next decade plus, there aren’t many things more valuable in the NFL.
Proctor’s scouting report sounds promising, too, with Scott DiBenedetto of DraftWire suggesting that he’s great as a run blocker and can also do what he has to do as a pass blocker. For Smith, who excels when he has time to throw the football, that’s important.
“Proctor is an outstanding run blocker, but is even better in protection. His size and wingspan make it naturally challenging to get around him. The same height issue shows up here, so speed rushers can succeed if they get under his punch. However, he’s so quick and athletic that he rarely loses clean.
“He’s borderline excellent against power. He’ll give some ground against a hard bull rush, but he has the strength and stoutness to absorb the initial charge and recover. Again, if he plays high, he’ll get in trouble, but this is very infrequent,” he wrote.
Raiders Predicted to Add Elite OT Who Can Protect Geno Smith