Las Vegas Raiders: Looking at the potential starting OL for 2022 Week 1

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 15: A detailed view of an Oakland Raiders helmet prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at RingCentral Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 15: A detailed view of an Oakland Raiders helmet prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at RingCentral Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Las Vegas Raiders
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 17: Defensive end Joey Bosa #97 of the Los Angeles Chargers against offensive tackle Kolton Miller #74 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders in overtime 30-27. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders: Looking at the potential starting OL for 2022 Week 1

LT: Kolton Miller

This is a no-brainer. Kolton Miller had struggles in his first NFL season, but now he has blossomed into one of the top left tackles in the NFL. 2022 was one of his best seasons to date, matching up well against some of the better pass rushers in the league.

Miller will be a huge part of the Raiders’ offensive success in 2022. He is one of Carr’s most trusted protectors, providing the Las Vegas QB with comfortability in the pocket. Anyone who watches Carr plays knows that having that comfortability, and trust in his lineman, really allows him to shine. That needs to continue in 2022, as Carr will arguably have more offensive weapons than ever before, all of which will be a major part of the team’s offensive scheme.

Kolton can also carve holes for the Raiders’ running backs. As seen last season, the Las Vegas offense really struggles when they couldn’t get Josh Jacobs going on the ground. When he finally found some rhythm late in the season, it helped the Raiders win four straight and earn a playoff berth. Having success with the run isn’t entirely on Miller, but he’ll need to snuff run-stopping defensive ends when Jacobs has the ball in hand.