Raiders 2022 two-deep analysis and predictions: Offensive line
LT2/RT2: Brandon Parker
That’s right – Not only will Parker be the first replacement tackle on the left side, but also on the right side.
The reasoning here is simple; The Raiders value Parkers’ swing tackle ability, a lot. So much so, that Las Vegas’ new regime was quick to credit the ’18 third-round pick’s ability to play each of the tackle spots, citing this versatility as a key factor in bringing Parker back for the ’22 season.
Extending Parker isn’t the only indication that the team thinks quite highly of him; The amount of money the Raiders’ front office shelled his way to keep him around is another. While Parker was hitting the open market with an expired contract, general manager Dave Ziegler handed the four-year Raider a one-year, $3.5M contract.
This number makes Parker the 18th highest-paid right tackle, and the top-paid non-starting right tackle – If you consider Parker to not be the starting right tackle, which is where I stand.
Last season, Parker started in 13 contests, joining the starting lineup once ’21 rookie Alex Leatherwood shifted to right guard. Unfortunately for the Raiders swing tackle, it was a year to forget, allowing 8 sacks while committing 9 penalties; Both ranking top-7 leaguewide via right tackles. For the year, Parker received a PFF grade of 55.8 – His highest single-season grade as a pro.
Las Vegas may have plans for Parker to start at right tackle this upcoming season, given the sizable contract he received this off-season, but it isn’t the lineup that makes the most sense. As for which lineup does, let’s move on and find out.