2018 Raiders Draft Prospect
Name: Chukwuma Okorafor
Position: OT
School: Western Michigan
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 330 pounds
Pass Blocking
When you look at Okorafor’s girth and heft, the word immobile would come to mind. However, the WMU product shows quick feet. As a result, ends that rush wide will meet him on the boundary. Moreover, Okorafor gets a quick advantage with the burst from the snap. Normally, edge rushers love jumping the snap, beating a tackle rising from his stance. Meanwhile, Okorafor moves just as the center moves the ball. His burst seems in lockstep with the snap.
While Okorafor needs fine-tuning, he does the little things
Run Blocking
In the run game, Okorafor’s agility helps dominate. Coupled that with game-changing power, and Okorafor opens up daylight for backs. More importantly, Okorafor maintains his blocks. Opponents fail to quickly shed him to make a play. In addition, Okorafor gets to the second level quickly to maul linebackers and defensive backs. On screens, he leads the convoy down the field. In that case, Okorafor mastered the “two-fer” block, were he will stall multiple defenders during a single play.
Strength
Given his frame, Okorafor possesses absolute power. Now, this is not a creation. Okorafor’s frame, if used properly will stunt most bull rushes and power moves from defensive ends. When he tightens up his punch, Okorafor will make ends pay. Furthermore, if he anchors, using his trunk to generate power, he will solve a tackle spot.
Raiders Fit
When the Raiders cleaned house, Mike Tice felt the broom as well. Now that Tom Cable will command the offensive line, he inherits a dire tackle situation. Donald Penn entered the twilight of his career, as the AFC West continues to churn out pass rushers. On the other side, the right tackle situation fails to impress. Although Okorafor could slide in on the left side when Penn retires, the immediate need is the right tackle spot.
Due to his combination of quickness and power, Okorafor could start Day 1 in Oakland. Be that as it may, Cable will need to keep the rookie from lunging and widen his base slightly. With those changes, Okorafor gives the Raiders a value pick in the third round.
