Report: Raiders Prefer Michigan OT Taylor Lewan to Robinson & Matthews

Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune is “told” that the Raiders like Michigan OT Taylor Lewan better than Auburn’s Greg Robinson, or Texas A&Ms Jake Matthews.

Though Lewan is very highly regarded, most draft analysts have slotted him behind Robinson and Matthews, making this at least somewhat surprising, even though Lewan’s stock appears to be on the rise.

Lewan is considered an exceptional athlete and good run-blocker, but would probably help if he got stronger as he heads into the NFL.

Oakland holds the No. 5 pick in the first round.  Their biggest needs appear to be at quarterback, on the defensive line, and in the secondary, though an upgrade at left tackle would make sense too, despite the additions of OT Donald Penn, and OL Austin Howard –– who may ultimately play guard for them.

We have Lewan going to Baltimore with the No. 17 pick, and Robinson and Matthews going No. 2 and No. 6 respectively in our most recent 2014 NFL Mock Draft.