As the Raiders search for an answer to replace Denzelle Good, one unexpected name emerges.
Earlier in the week, the Las Vegas Raiders were met with the unfortunate news of Denzelle Good retiring. Since, a search to replace Good on the line has begun, leaving fans and reporters alike to theorize what may happen next.
On Wednesday, one name has stood out in the hunt to replace the now retired guard, and it’s one many of Raider Nation could not expect: Offensive lineman, Jermaine Eluemunor.
Eluemunor, a versatile offensive lineman who signed an extension with the team this offseason, has had some surprising developments around him through camp. A guard for the Raiders in 2021, Eluemunor has spent the entirety of camp playing at the tackle position for the Raiders.
In a solution for filling in the void left at a guard spot, I stated earlier in the week that shifting Alex Leatherwood back to guard is extremely plausible, due to the Raiders’ clear love for tackle Brandon Parker. Switching Leatherwood to guard allows Parker to be translated into the starting lineup, comfortably at the right tackle position he’s accustomed to playing.
It’s possible Las Vegas is preparing to shift Leatherwood to guard to free up the right tackle position, but not for Parker – For Eluemunor.
Earlier today, Vic Tafur had confirmed not only has Eluemunor been running his reps at tackle consistently throughout camp, but that the second-year Raider has gone head-to-head with All-Pro Maxx Crosby in camp, and continues to hold his own.
As the Silver and Black try to solve their offensive line puzzle without Denzelle Good, Eluemunor emerges as a possible answer.
History of Raiders HC McDaniels and Eluemunor could play a major factor
Although Eluemunor played guard for Las Vegas in ’21, it makes sense that the versatile offensive lineman has been glued to tackle under head coach Josh McDaniels.
Eluemunor spent his ’19 and ’20 campaigns in New England, where he played under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in this span. Here, he was exclusively used as a tackle, starting 8 contests in ’20 on the right side.
As a starting right tackle in 2020, Eluemunor posted the highest PFF grade of his career, earning a mark of 68.0. Now, reunited with McDaniels, the 27-year-old finds himself back at tackle and holding his own against an All-Pro in camp.
Raiders: Denzelle Good retires, who’s the next man up in Las Vegas?
Raider Nation waves goodbye as Denzelle Good announces his retirement. Who do the Raiders have in mind to replace the 31-year-old on the line?
Can Eluemunor make a serious run as a starter for the Raiders? We’ll find out together.