Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: C Drake Nugent, Michigan

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Aidan Champion | Last updated 2/19/24

The Las Vegas Raiders need to add depth all along their offensive line this offseason, and the 2024 NFL Draft is going to be a key factor in that endeavor.

In regards to the center position, the Raiders have some great early-round prospects to consider, including Drake Nugent from Michigan.

Nugent anchored what was arguably the nation's best offensive line this past season and helped lead the Wolverines to their first national title since the 1997 season. He started at center in all 15 of Michigan's games and was named an All-Big Ten First Team honoree. Nugent was also named a Rimington Trophy finalist, an award given annually to the nation's top center.

Pro Football Focus gave Nugent an overall grade of 78.0, a run-block grade of 76.6, and a pass-block grade of 78.8 for the 2023 season.

Nugent transferred to Michigan from Stanford, where he was a four-year letterman. He started at center in all 11 games for the Cardinals in the 2022 season, allowing just four sacks all season. He was named an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention for a second consecutive season.

The season prior, Nugent started all 12 games at center for Stanford. He had not started a collegiate game prior to that season.

Nugent played just one game in the 2020 season and only two in the 2019 season, his first with the program.

The young center's father, Terry Nugent, played quarterback at Colorado State for four seasons before being drafted in the sixth round of the 1984 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. He would play just one regular season game in the NFL.

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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This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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