Dylan Parham just made Las Vegas Raiders history.
The Memphis offensive lineman is the first draft pick of the Josh McDaniels-Dave Ziegler era at #90 third-round pick. It’s been a long wait for Las Vegas (and fans) after it sent its first- and second-round picks to the Green Bay Packers for superstar wide receiver Davante Adams last month.
While at No. 86 on the clock, they were traded down to No. 90 with the Tennessee Titans. They picked up No. 169 in fifth place and now have six picks total. They have #127, 164, 165, 169, and 227 picks on Saturday. So a fourth, three fifths and a seventh round.
The Raiders hope Parham was worth the wait to start their 2022 draft.
That #Robber Draft Memphis OL Dylan Parham 90th overall. He’s ranked all over the place in college — he’s made 28 starts at left guard, 12 at right guard, and 11 at right tackle — but @dpbruggler thinks he’ll be best in the middle. Interesting to hear how Vegas sees him.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) April 30, 2022
It’s an interesting choice and a decent value in a need area. Ziegler hinted last week that there could be many offensive line options in the third round, and they’ve found a versatile player who can play all five positions. But he projects either as a guardian or as a center. He told reporters Friday night he will play wherever the Raiders, who met with him at the NFL combine, want to play against him.
That means Alex Leatherwood, 2021’s first-round pick, may get another chance to play with proper tackle. He was promoted to right guard during his rookie season. McDaniels said the team isn’t opposed to putting Leatherwood, who was struggling as a rookie, back into position this offseason.
Parham, 6-foot-3, 311 pounds, is athletic and fast, and plays with a mean streak. Many scouts believe he can develop into a solid starter.
The Raiders had several intriguing options at No. 90, including cornerbacks Coby Bryant and Tariq Woolen, and tackles Daniel Faalelle and Sean Rhyan. But Parham was the call.
#Robber Third-round pick Dylan Parham projects as a center or guard but also played the right tackle. Per PFF, he allowed 8 pressings and 0 sacks with 545 pass block snaps in Memphis last season
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) April 30, 2022
The Raiders now have five picks in the four final rounds on Saturday. Drafts begin at 9 a.m. PT. I could see the Raiders using a couple of their fifth-round picks to move up. Look for cornerbacks, linebackers and maybe more offensive linemen to be some of the focuses on Saturday.