What does Ziegler have planned for the Raiders? Did he alter course?
Ziegler pointed out that the team’s brass did have plans to pursue an upper-tier offensive lineman this offseason. Regrettably, that didn’t come to fruition, and so the general manager changed course and addressed other pressing needs such as wide receiver and the defense.
"“Some of those opportunities went a different way, and so we pivoted, and we went a different way and strengthened other parts of the team.” -Ziegler regarding the early goings of free agency"
While acquiring Davante Adams and Chandler Jones generated major headlines, it left the Raiders with few options regarding the offensive line. They signed Alex Bars but also re-signed Jermaine Eluemunor, a player familiar with McDaniels’ incoming offense. Denzelle Good will look to bounce back and, of course, the team will have Brandon Parker and Alex Leatherwood, with Andre James likely the incumbent at center.
The latter two potentially affect how the Raiders will perform in 2022. Let’s not forget that while Las Vegas can certainly draft an offensive lineman in the third round of this month’s NFL draft, it’s unlikely he’d be a Day 1 starter. Unless there’s a drastic turn of events, the Raiders’ right side will be anchored by this duo.