Oakland Raiders: Five Late Round Prospects the Team Should Target

Sep 24, 2014; Bagshot, UNITED KINGDOM; General view of Oakland Raiders helmet and Wilson footballs at practice at Pennyhill Park Hotel in advance of the NFL International Series game against the Miami Dolphins. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Greg Mancz, C/OG, Toledo

Greg Mancz did something not many Offensive Lineman can say they’ve accomplished. In 2014 Mancz was voted as the MVP of the MAC conference. To specify Mancz won the Vern Smith Leadership Award, which is given out to the top football player in the conference. It has been won by greats such as Randy Moss and Ben Roethlisberger. Mancz became the first recipient of this prestigious award who is an offensive lineman.

Mancz stands 6’4″, and tips the scales at a robust 301 lbs, which is comparable to Cowboys stud rookie Guard, Zack Martin. While Mancz has to hit the weight room and bulk up a little bit, he does already have the body figure for an above average starting NFL guard.

Mancz is very adept at both run and pass blocking. He is quite mature in both areas, which is unique given that he is coming out of a mid-major school like Toledo. Mancz  is a great leader and plays with great confidence, which is key to being on the offensive line.

If Mancz were bulkier, he might’ve been a higher draft selection. But with a year in the gym along with all the technical skills Mancz’s possess, he could be a workhorse guard in short order.

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Raising Zona

Some of you might be very confused by seeing Mancz listed as a center. As we all know by now, the Raiders signed Rodney Hudson to a five year deal, so he will be occupying the position for years to come. While Mancz would be an above average backup at the position, he also has positional versatility, which makes him an even juicier prospect. Mancz has played not only center but also guard.

Drafting Mancz would allow the Raiders to put Austin Howard back at right tackle, and move Mancz to the right guard spot. This would bump underperformer Menelik Watson and his replacement Khalif Barnes to the bench in a swing tackle/emergency OL type role. An O-Line of, Howard, Mancz, Hudson, Gabe Jackson, and Donald Penn, would provide great protection for sophomores Derek Carr and Latavius Murray.

Offensive line is most likely not going to be an early round priority for the Raiders come draft day. Taking Mancz late gives them someone who can contribute right out of the gate at a superb value price.

Next: CB: Craig Mager