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

By Connor Kurpat

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) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 21: Center Andre James #68 of the Las Vegas Raiders prepares for a play during the second half of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Allegiant Stadium on November 21, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bengals defeated the Raiders 32-13. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 21: Center Andre James #68 of the Las Vegas Raiders prepares for a play during the second half of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Allegiant Stadium on November 21, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bengals defeated the Raiders 32-13. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /

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

C: Andre James

When Parham was drafted, many analysts said there would be a competition between him and James for who would start center. This definitely could be the case, and if it is, then I think James finds a way to retain is spot.

James certainly had some struggles early on last season. But as the season progressed, he really began to grow as a player. He seemed to have more of an awareness of the game, not often getting fooled by shifts and fakes. James had grown much more confident, trusting his football as instincts, his quarterback, and the offensive line around him. The improvement of the offense later in the year began with James, who was graded as the 6th best center after week nine.

James is poised to have an incredible season in 2022, and shifting him from that starting position could disrupt his production. So, for that reason and because of the progressions he made last season, I think James will be this team’s starting center in week one.

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