The biggest question for the Raiders all offseason was how the offensive line will shake out, and it looks like the starting five has finally taken shape.
Going into this year’s training camp for the Las Vegas Raiders, there was one solid position settled along the offensive line. That position was left tackle, where Kolton Miller has emerged as one of the best in the business, and should only get better.
Miller finished the 2021 season with an overall 84.0 grade per PFF, playing 1,139 total snaps, and 730 pass block snaps while only giving up four sacks and five hits. He was the standout player on the line, and the Silver and Black also got a solid season from Andre James.
Starting at center for the first time in his career, James finished with a 64.1 overall grade while surrendering two sacks and three hits on 730 pass blocking snaps.
Raiders staring offensive line starting to take shape
Through training camp and preseason games, the starting five is becoming much clearer by the day with joint practices with the Patriots. The final preseason game with New England should give much value to the offensive staff who they’ll be riding with along the offensive line in 2022.
Thayer Munford is out with an injury, so Jermaine Eluemunor has been taking the first-team reps at right tackle in joint practices with the Patriots. Eluemunor started at right tackle in New England with Josh McDaniels, has a feel of his scheme, and is now getting an opportunity at that same position with injuries playing a major role.
At left guard, the position seems to be headed in Dylan Parham’s way, as he started against Miami, and now taking first-team reps against New England. The left guard position was looking to be John Simpson’s all through camp but seems the tide has turned to Parham.
As we enter the final preseason game, here is what the starting offensive line could look like in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
LT: Kolton Miller
LG: Dylan Parham
C: Andre James
RG: Lester Cotton Sr
RT: Jermaine Eluemunor
With added additions from waivers as players will be available after the cut deadline of next Tuesday at 4 P.M E.T., this could very well change or any other positions through trade or possible injury