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5 Raiders who desperately need to develop in the 2022 offseason

By Brad Weiss

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 26: Offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood #70 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 26: Offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood #70 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 02: John Simpson #76 of the Las Vegas Raiders walks off the field after a win over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 02, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 02: John Simpson #76 of the Las Vegas Raiders walks off the field after a win over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 02, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

5 Raiders who desperately need to develop in the 2022 offseason

No. 2: John Simpson

The Las Vegas Raiders struggled mightily up front along the offensive line in 2021, especially when it came to the younger players on this roster. Going into the season, John Simpson was not supposed to be a main player along the offensive line, but Denzelle Good was injured in Week 1 and never returned, and fellow offensive guard Richie Incognito never made it off injured reserve.

That meant that the Raiders had to insert Simpson as a full-time starter, and in 15 of the team’s 18 games, he played every offensive snap. That was a huge workload for the second-year player, and while he struggled with the penalties, being called for nine holds throughout the season, he was solid in pass protection.

Simpson did get better throughout the season and was able to become a reliable option at the offensive guard spot. To keep his job, he is going to have to continue to develop this offseason, and if he does, he could be a long-term solution in front of Derek Carr for years to come.

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