The Las Vegas Raiders are remaking their offensive line, which is evident through their focus on key players in April’s NFL Draft and recent free agent signings. By adding experienced guard/center Cody Whitehair from Chicago and selecting promising talents like Jackson Powers-Johnson from Oregon in the second round and DJ Glaze from Maryland in the third round, the Raiders are strategically enhancing their front line. The acquisition of former New Orleans Saints player Andrus Peat further highlights their commitment to improving both the skill level on the offensive line and bolstering depth at crucial positions.
The revamped Raiders offensive line blends experienced veterans with emerging talent. With center Andre James back and other players such as Jermaine Eluemunor and Brandon Parker departing, there is an opportunity for heightened performance and increased competition compared to what has been seen in quite some time.
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The chemistry and effectiveness of the line with both new and familiar faces will be key in the upcoming season. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on this revamped line to see how well the new additions mesh together and if they can enhance the Raiders’ offense, which ranked 23rd in scoring in 2023.
Building Raiders offensive line through the NFL Draft
Entering the 2024 NFL Draft, many experts predicted the Raiders would go two ways with their 13th overall pick in the first round: quarterback or offensive tackle. With a glaring hole on the right side of the line, it was the perfect time to do so with an extremely deep draft class at guard and tackle. Names like Joe Alt, JC Latham, Troy Fautanu and Taliese Fuaga all figured to be in the mix. Instead, the Raiders surprised the world by taking one of the top five overall players in the draft, selecting tight end Brock Bowers from Georgia. Instead, general manager Tom Telesco waited until the second round to start acquiring young talent for the offensive trenches
The prize in the second round was Oregon’s center Jackson Powers-Johnson. Johnson was named the Rimington Trophy winner, the college game’s best center, and will almost certainly start at left guard for the Raiders. Not only has he played the position before, but his mauler style and ability to provide great pass and good run protection make him a grand slam of a pick. The Raiders were fortunate to get him in the second round, and while many believed he’d play at the right guard position, putting him next to the Raiders offensive line anchor Miller on the left side is something they’ve discussed publicly.
“I just love the film,” head coach Antonio Pierce said of Powers-Johnson ahead of rookie mini-camp. “I saw a guy that was gritty, that finished, that strained, that loved the physicality of the game. I saw a leader, I saw a winner, I saw a guy that just loves football.”
Telesco wasn’t done improving the line in the draft, selecting swing tackle DJ Glaze in the third round. Glaze brings a young, versatile offensive lineman to the roster, meaning he can play inside and outside for Pierce. Meeting with the press after he was drafted in the third round last month, Glaze said he doesn’t prefer one position over the other. Instead, he’ll do whatever is asked to help his team be its best.
“The biggest thing for me is just to contribute any way I can,” Glaze said. “Like I said, if they need me at guard, go to guard. If they need me at left tackle, left guard, wherever, be ready to plug in and try to do all I can to play and just whatever I can help out. That’s one of the biggest goals for me at this moment.”
Telesco’s focus in the draft was to strengthen the offensive line, and he certainly did that by spending two high picks on players who offer talent and versatility up front where it is sorely needed.
Free agents and veterans add depth, experience
With the Raiders’ needs on offense and in the defensive backfield, they wouldn’t be able to address all of their offensive line needs via the draft alone. To supplement the rookies, the Raiders made a series of strategic moves this offseason to extend and sign free agents on the line to increase depth and improve the unit’s ability. They signed center Andre James to a $24 million, 3-year extension, came to terms with Whitehair, and signed former Pro Bowler Peat from the Saints.
Whitehair gives the Raiders another versatile lineman who can play both guard and center. In 188 starts as a pro, Whitehair played 61 at center, 54 at left guard, and three at right guard. With Powers-Johnson competing at right guard next to Miller, Whitehair could compete at left and right guard. Either way, it gives the Raiders flexibility and depth.
In the case of Peat, he played 715 snaps at left tackle for New Orleans in 2023 and 89 at left guard. With the possibility of Dylan Parham moving to the right guard position and Thayer Munford Jr., someone both Pierce and Telesco have spoken highly of this offseason at right tackle, Peat could be a swing player in 2024. His experience and presence undoubtedly will improve the line — especially if he regains his Pro Bowl form.
One sneaky, good, undrafted free agent on the offensive line the Raiders signed after the draft was TCU tackle Andrew Coker. Coker is considered a top offensive line draft pick entering the 2023 college football season, and he saw his stock fall due to injuries last year. Coker offers yet another option and depth should he win a roster spot for 2024.
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How the pieces come together for the Raiders
Thayer Munford Jr.’s position at right tackle isn’t yet secure, setting the stage for intense competition. Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy and the other coaching staff, including Pierce, will closely monitor this battle to determine who will secure the starting spot for Week 1. Given Getsy’s preference for a run-heavy offense, as seen in Chicago with frequent use of 11 personnel sets (one running back, one tight end, three receivers), the emphasis on larger linemen during this offseason’s recruitment is clear. The recent addition of Bowers is likely to introduce more 12 personnel sets (one running back, two tight ends), aligning with Pierce’s vision for a team known for its robust running game.
Getsy’s offense also employs a wide zone blocking scheme, perfect for many new additions, including Jonshon-Powers. Miller is one of the best in the business at left tackle and Whitehair knows the system well from being with Getsy in Chicago. Glaze isn’t as strong in run blocking as the others, but the Raiders feel his upside is big, and he’ll be someone to watch in camp.
With strategic draft picks and free agent signings to bolster the offensive line, the Raiders appear to be in a stronger position—or at least equipped with the players needed to enhance their offensive output. By securing key additions across various positions and retaining trusted veterans, they have addressed many of the uncertainties faced by the new leadership.