Las Vegas Raiders 2021 training camp: Top-3 starting jobs up for grabs
By Alex Perl
Las Vegas Raiders 2021 training camp: Top-3 starting jobs up for grabs
No. 1: Center
This one is a bitter pill to swallow for most Raider fans because if there was one position the Raiders have had consistent spectacular play from, it was truly the center position. Las Vegas had not just any center, but Rodney Hudson, a former All-Pro and multiple Pro-Bowl performer, who was the unquestioned leader of this offensive line unit.
However, the star was traded this offseason, opening huge shoes to fill for a Raiders team that was not prepared for his departure. Stepping into his place seems to be likely former undrafted and UCLA product, Andre James. The 24-year-old only has one start to his name but seems to be the likely starter after signing a three-year, $12M contract this offseason.
The Raiders added former starting Houston Texans center Nick Martin in the offseason via free agency as well, and the two are likely to do battle during camp for the starting position. Martin is a solid option to start, has the edge in terms of experience, but neither of these players appear ready to walk in Hudson’s shoes just yet.
With the ink still fresh on the contract for James, I expect the 24-year-old to win this battle and hopefully change the mind of a lot of doubters.