Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: T Patrick Paul, Houston

The Las Vegas Raiders need offensive linemen who thrive in pass protection, and Patrick Paul of Houston is perhaps the best pass-blocking tackle in this year's NFL Draft class.

Regardless of who the Las Vegas Raiders start behind center next season, they are going to be looking to improve on their passing game, as the offense finished 23rd in the league in passing last season.

With that being a necessity, as well as the club's need of an offensive tackle in this year's NFL Draft, the Raiders should strongly consider adding arguably the best pass-protecting offensive tackle in the 2024 draft class, Patrick Paul of Houston.

Paul started at left tackle in all 12 of Houston's games in the 2023  season, allowing only one sack and seven quarterback hurries, going nine games without allowing a QB hurry. 

For that performance, Paul was selected to the All-Big 12 First Team and ESPN's All-American Second Team for 2023.

The Las Vegas Raiders need offensive linemen who thrive in pass protection, and Patrick Paul of Houston is perhaps the best pass-blocking tackle in this year's draft class / © Vasha Hunt | 2024 Feb 1

Pro Football Focus gave Paul an overall grade of 81.1, a run-blocking grade of 69.4, a pass-blocking grade of 91.5, and a zone grade of 70.3 for his 2023 season. His pass-blocking grade led all offensive tackles in the nation.

The season before, Paul started all 13 games at left tackle, helping lead a Houston team that finished eighth in the nation in passing offense at 314.0 passing yards per game and 25th in total offense at 455.8 yards per game. The Cougars also finished 17th in the nation in scoring offense at 36.1 points per game.

Paul started all 14 games at left tackle in his redshirt freshman season in 2021 and received All-AAC First Team honors. He and the Cougars went 8-0 in the conference and finished 17th in the final AP Poll with a 12-2 overall record.

In his first season with the program, Paul made three starts at left tackle.

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.

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