Prospect for the Raiders NFL Draft: T Christian Jones, Texas/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72965654/1856326407.0.jpg)
Having an offensive lineman who excels in either run blocking or pass blocking is beneficial, but having one who can perform reliably in both scenarios is even more advantageous. The addition of offensive tackle Christian Jones from Texas in the 2024 NFL Draft would provide the Las Vegas Raiders with such a versatile prospect. Jones demonstrated his capabilities during his final season with the Longhorns, starting in 13 games at right tackle. He played a pivotal role in leading the offensive line, contributing to the nation’s ninth-best offense, which averaged 477.5 yards per game. Recognized as a Joe Moore Award semifinalist for one of the nation’s top offensive line units, Texas claimed the Big 12 title and secured a spot in the College Football Playoff as the No. 3 seed, ultimately finishing third in the final AP Poll. With his well-rounded skills in both pass and run-blocking, Christian Jones would be a valuable asset for the Las Vegas Raiders. In the 2023 season, Jones earned recognition as an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and received commendable grades from Pro Football Focus, with an overall grade of 75.2, a run-blocking grade of 75.2, a pass-blocking grade of 78.1, and a zone grade of 82.6. His contributions also extended to the previous season, where he played a key role in blocking for running back Bijan Robinson, the recipient of the Doak Walker Award and a finalist for Offensive Rookie of the Year in the NFL. Jones has a consistent track record, starting in all games for Texas across multiple seasons, showcasing his durability and commitment to the team. As the NFL Scouting Combine approaches, Jones has the opportunity to further showcase his skills and potential to prospective teams.
