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Raiders: 2022 NFL Draft brought depth, talent along offensive line

By Brad Weiss

Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Thayer Munford (75) celebrates after Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) scored a touchdown in the second quarter of Saturday's NCAA Division I football game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Oh., on November 13, 2021.Osu21pur Bjp 398
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Thayer Munford (75) celebrates after Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) scored a touchdown in the second quarter of Saturday's NCAA Division I football game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Oh., on November 13, 2021.Osu21pur Bjp 398 /
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The Las Vegas Raiders needed to add some depth along the offensive line in the 2022 NFL Draft, and they were able to accomplish that in a big way.

Looking ahead to the 2022 NFL season, the offensive line is still a question mark for the Las Vegas Raiders. After a year that saw rookie Alex Leatherwood struggle at right tackle, and eventually move inside, it was clear Las Vegas needed to do a lot in terms of revamping the group this offseason.

Incredibly, while the front office did a great job moving in new pieces all over this roster, the offensive line stayed the same during free agency. Sure, they added Alex Bars, but for the most part, the Raiders’ offensive line looks a lot like the one who struggled mightily on the right side for most of the 2021 season.

However, during the 2022 NFL Draft, the Raiders struck gold in the third round, adding Memphis offensive lineman Dylan Parham, a versatile player who could play tackle or guard at the next level. Then, in the seventh round, they added Ohio State captain Thayer Munford, another tackle who could end up going from late-round pick to possible starter when all is said and done.

Both men figure to play a role as rookies and based on injuries and the inconsistent play we saw last year, they will get every opportunity to carve out a place on this roster this summer.

Are the Raiders done bringing in offensive linemen?

While the additions of Parham and Munford are solid and give the team depth, the Raiders could still be in the market for another starting-caliber offensive tackle, or even guard. We do not know what they are going to get from Denzelle Good coming off an injury, and can the team really rely on Leatherwood at right tackle going forward?

There are still some solid options out there in terms of free agency, and the Raiders could certainly be in the market to continue to add players. With so many elite weapons on offense, the goal has to be keeping Derek Carr healthy, and upright, as this group has a chance to be one of the best in the NFL on that side of the ball.

To accomplish that, the offensive line has to be a lot better than it was a year ago.

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