Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: Center Eguakun of Florida

The Las Vegas Raiders have a number of versatile centers they could select in the draft, but drafting a pure center like Kingsley Eguakun could be for the best.

If the Las Vegas Raiders choose to select a center in this year's NFL Ddraft, who they take and when they will take him will depend on what they have to work with.

Raiders center Andre James is a free agent, but in the event that he stays, Las Vegas might want a center who is more versatile and would serve well in a backup role, where he coulg fill in where and when he is needed. 

Should James leave, though, it might be in the Raiders' best interest to draft a prospect who is purely a center and has years of experience at the position, given the lack of true centers on the roster.

Kingsley Eguakun checks that box, as he spent his last three seasons at Florida as a starting center.

Eguakun had an unfortunate final college season, missing much of it because of an ankle injury. He would make only four starts at center, partially contributing to a Florida team that finished top 50 in the nation in total offense. 

Pro Football Focus gave Eguakun an overall grade of 60.4, a run-blocking grade of 65.9, a pass-blocking grade of 61.3, and a zone grade of 73.7 for his 2023 season.

The season before, Eguakun started at center in all 13 of Florida's games. He helped block for an offense that finished 24th in the nation with 200.2 rushing yards per game). The unit also finished 38th overall in total offense at 424.4 yards per game.

That was Eguakun's second straight year as a season-long starter, as he started all 13 games at center during the 2021 season as well. He and the Gators finished the season 15th in total offense with 464.1 yards per game, and 23rd in rushing offense at 209.9.

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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