Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: Center Nugent of Michigan

The Las Vegas Raiders would prosper in their attempt at building a winning culture in their team by adding national champion Drake Nugent of Michigan to their O-line.

The Las Vegas Raiders need to add depth all along their offensive line this offseason, and the 2024 NFL Draft is going to be a key factor in that endeavor.

In regard to the center position, the Raiders have some great early-round prospects to consider, including Drake Nugent from Michigan.

Nugent anchored what was arguably the nation's best offensive line this past season and helped lead the Wolverines to their first national title since the 1997 season. 

The 6-foot-2, 301-pound Nugent started at center in all 15 of Michigan's games and was named to the All-Big Ten First Team. He was also named a Rimington Trophy finalist, an award given annually to the nation's top center.

The Las Vegas Raiders would prosper in their attempt at building a winning culture in their club by adding national champion Drake Nugent of Michigan to their O-line / © Mark J. Rebilas | 2024 Jan 8

Pro Football Focus gave Nugent an overall grade of 78.0, a run-blocking grade of 76.6, and a pass-blocking grade of 78.8 for the 2023 season.

Nugent transferred to Michigan from Stanford, where he was a four-year letterman. He started at center in all 11 games for the Cardinals in the 2022 season, allowing only four sacks and was named an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention for a second consecutive season.

The season before, Nugent started all 12 games at center for Stanford after not starting a college game before that season.

Nugent played only one game in the 2020 season and only two in 2019 season, his first with the program.

The young center's father, Terry Nugent, played quarterback at Colorado State for four seasons before being drafted in the sixth round of the 1984 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, but would play only one regular season game in the NFL.

From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr and never miss another breaking news story again. Sign up RIGHT HERE for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes thrice a week and delivers all our best stories.

Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.