Raiders 2022 Training Camp: Starting OL starting to come into focus
By Brad Weiss
There was a lot to like about the Raiders victory over Jacksonville in the HOF Game, and for the offensive line, something things came into focus.
During the 2021 NFL season, the Las Vegas Raiders had some serious issues up front along the offensive line. They struggled to pass protect, were shoddy in the run game, and overall, it is amazing this team made the playoffs with such a group protecting Derek Carr and the running backs.
Now, entering 2022, a lot of the same faces remain, and one player who was expected to start, Denzelle Good, has retired. That means Las Vegas will be relying on players stepping up in a big way as they enter this upcoming season, and some are already rewarding the front office for their confidence.
Lester Cotton Sr. is a guy who has been getting it done all offseason, and his strong play was on display during the win against Jacksonville Thursday night. Cotton seems to be locked into the starting right guard spot, so you can check that position off in terms of what the starting group will look like in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders could be getting closer to figuring out the offensive line
We already know that Kolton Miller is going to be the starting left tackle, as he is one of the best in the game, and Andre James seems locked into the starting center spot for the second year in a row. With Cotton establishing himself as the starting right guard, and John Simpson likely to start at left guard, only right tackle remains.
Brandon Parker looked lost as the team’s left tackle during the HOF Game and likely played himself out of contention to start at right tackle. Alex Leatherwood was actually the highest-rated offensive lineman for the Raiders on Thursday night, so based on the early returns, he could get another shot to start there in 2022.