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Las Vegas Raiders: Top-25 players of the Derek Carr Era

By Brad Weiss

NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 11: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 11, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 11: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 11, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders offensive guard Kelechi Osemele (70) blocks San Diego Chargers defensive tackle Damion Square (71) during the second half of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. The Raiders won 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders offensive guard Kelechi Osemele (70) blocks San Diego Chargers defensive tackle Damion Square (71) during the second half of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. The Raiders won 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders: Top-25 players of the Derek Carr Era

No. 14: Kelechi Osemele, OG (2016-2018)

The first two years of the Derek Carr era were loaded with losses though it was clear the organization was looking to upgrade along the offensive line with their young quarterback at the helm. They added Donald Penn and Gabe Jackson in 2014, and followed that up by bringing in Rodney Hudson in 2015, and finally, Kelechi Osemele in 2016.

That core of offensive linemen helped turn the franchise around, and in 2016, the Silver and Black became one of the best teams in the NFL. Osemele was the final piece to that puzzle up front, making it to the Pro Bowl in his first two seasons, as well as being named a first-team All-Pro in his first season with the franchise.

Osemel, Penn, and Hudson were all named to the Pro Bowl in 2016 and 2017, anchoring an offensive line that was both talented, and downright nasty. Osemele would be traded following the 2018 season, going to the New York Jets for a sixth-round pick, but for a three-year stretch, he was one of the best offensive guards in the entire league.

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