Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders go big with N.C. A&T OT Parker in third round

Published Apr. 27, 2018 9:38 p.m. ET

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(STATS) - If the Oakland Raiders' newest offensive tackle sounds a little like five-time Pro Bowler Tyron Smith of the Dallas Cowboys, it's because Brandon Parker patterns himself after him.

That look was just right for the Raiders, who used the first pick of the third round - 65th overall - to select Parker out of North Carolina A&T at the NFL Draft Friday night.

In describing his playing style, Parker said, "I'm an athletic offensive lineman who just gets after it. I take pride trying to finish everything that I can. I play with a nasty streak, I like hitting people, I like making that big play and I'm just a dependable guy day in and day out for my team."

At 6-foot-7¼, 323 pounds, Parker was one of the taller linemen in the draft, and he had the largest wingspan (85¼ inches) at the Reese's Senior Bowl.

He won the MEAC offensive lineman of the year award in each of his final three seasons and made the STATS FCS All-America first team as both a junior and a senior. In 48 career starts, he didn't surrender a sack, allowed only two quarterback hurries and committed just seven penalties.

NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock called Parker "a tackle with all kinds of upside and ability. Played his tail off. That's where he made his money, at the Senior Bowl. He's a little raw and undeveloped. Long, athletic and it's gonna be a different look on the edge at tackle in Oakland over the next several years."

Parker was the Raiders' second selection of an FCS player. In the second round, they used the 57th overall pick on Sam Houston State defensive tackle P.J. Hall.

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