Projecting the Raiders 53-man roster after minicamp
By Brad Weiss
Offensive Line
Tackles: Donald Penn, Kolton Miller, Brandon Parker
Guards: Kelechi Osemele, Gabe Jackson, David Sharpe, Denver Kirkland
Centers: Rodney Hudson, Jon Feliciano
The offensive line for the Oakland Raiders should be one of the best in football this season, as it is headlined by a bunch of Pro Bowl players. Donald Penn, Kelechi Osemele, and Rodney Hudson all made the Pro Bowl last season, and all will be back protecting Derek Carr in 2018.
While Penn, Osemele, and Hudson made the Pro Bowl, one could argue that Gabe Jackson could have been right there in that group last season. Jackson seems to get better every season, and he has already stood out to the new coaching staff as someone who should be considered one of the elite in the NFL at his position.
Over at right tackle, one of the biggest position battles will take place this summer, but rookie Kolton Miller just may play his way into the starting lineup. Like Jackson, the coaching staff loves what they have seen out of him already this offseason, and by the time the team comes back from training camp, he could be penciled in as the starter at right tackle.
Brandon Parker was a fellow 2018 NFL Draft choice, and he is certainly going to make the roster. Guys like David Sharpe, Denver Kirkland, and Jon Feliciano will also give this position group depth in 2018, and if this unit can stay healthy, there should be wide lanes for Marshawn Lynch and Doug Martin, while Carr should have a nice pocket to throw from.