Prospect for the Raiders NFL Draft: T Christian Jones, Texas.

Although having an offensive lineman with a focus on either pass blocking or run blocking is beneficial, having one who can be counted on in both scenarios is preferable. Should the Las Vegas Raiders select offensive tackle Christian Jones of Texas in the 2024 NFL Draft, they would acquire such a potential.

In his final season with the Longhorns, Jones started 13 games at right tackle. He led an offensive line that was recognised as one of the finest in the country and blocked for the ninth-best offence in the country, averaging 477.5 yards per game. Jones was also named a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award. Texas finished first in the Big 12 and advanced as the third seed to the College Football Playoffs. In the final AP Poll, the Longhorns came in third place.

The Las Vegas Raiders could use a well-balanced offensive tackle like Christian Jones, who thrives in both pass and run-blocking.© Maria Lysaker | 2023 Oct 21 © Maria Lysaker | 2023 Oct 21.

Jones’s impressive 2023 year earned him the title of All-Big 12 Honourable Mention. He had a 75.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, a 75.2 run-blocking grade, a 78.1 pass-blocking grade, and an 82.6 zone grade during his 2023 campaign. The previous season, Jones started all 13 games at right tackle, providing blocking for running back Bijan Robinson, the recipient of the Doak Walker Award, who went on to be a finalist for Offensive Rookie of the Year in the NFL this past season. In addition to contributing 314 receiving yards and two receiving scores on 19 receptions, Robinson ran for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns. An All-Big 12 honourable mention was given to Jones.

For Texas, Jones started the first ten games of the 2020 campaign and all 12 of the 2021 campaign. After missing the 2018 season, which was his debut year with the programme, he participated in 13 games in the 2019 season. The NFL Scouting Combine will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, from February 27 to March 4, 2024.