The Oakland Raiders decided to use their 92nd overall pick on offensive tackle Joseph Barksdale out of LSU. Barksdale was second team All-SEC last season as well as being the winner of LSU’s Butch Duhe Award given to the player who most exemplifies unselfishness, commitment, and dependability, traits that will help him significantly in the Oakland organization.
The Raiders definitely needed to get some new life on their offensive line, but whether or not Barksdale is that guy is yet to be seen. He could be considered a bit raw in some areas, and seems to turn his aggressiveness off and on from time to time, but at a shade under 6’5" at 325 pounds he possesses the body type to be a successful offensive lineman in the NFL.
The LSU senior has lots of experience under his belt and if he can play to his potential, will more than likely make the Raiders regular season squad. With few O-Lineman under contract for next season, Barksdale will be a welcome addition to the Silver & Black, bookending the offensive line.