Las Vegas Raiders 2021 complete roster breakdown pre-free agency
By BD Williams
Las Vegas Raiders 2021 complete roster breakdown pre-free agency
Tight End and Offensive Line
Tight Ends
On the Roster: Darren Waller ($6.37 Million), Foster Moreau ($972K), Nick Bowers ($660K).
Need: Very Low
The only reason you could argue for a slight need at this position is that the 3rd Tight-End on the roster plays a lot of special teams. If Nick Bowers is that guy (Zero NFL Snaps according to Pro Football Reference) then the Raiders are good. Still looking for them to bring in a hard hat, lunch pail type of player as a UDFA or Low Priority free agent to compete with Bowers for that last spot.
Interior Offensive Line
On the Roster: Rodney Hudson ($13.67 Million), John Simpson ($979K), Erik Magnuson ($920K), Andre James ($853K), Lester Cotton ($780K).
Need: Very High
You see one stalwart center and the rest are either very young players or journeymen. Raiders cut Gabe Jackson and Richie Incognito and have yet to bring back Denzelle Good. This position group is in need of an overhaul.
Look for the Raiders to be active in free agency at this position. Maybe they think John Simpson is ready to start at left guard, but a veteran right guard like Trai Turner would be a massive improvement.
Offensive Tackle
On the Roster: Kolton Miller ($4.28 Million), Brandon Parker ($2.4 Million), Jaryd Jones-Smith ($780K).
Need: High
The Raiders need a quality right tackle to complete their offensive line now that Trent Brown is gone. Brandon Parker has never looked comfortable on that side but to his credit he looked much better at left tackle in place of Kolton Miller last year.
Parker is a swing tackle but the Raiders need a starter. Luckily there are quite a few quality Right Tackles coming out in the Draft. Jalen Mayfield (Michigan) and Teven Jenkins (West Virginia) could both go as early as the first round at right tackle.