The Las Vegas Raiders entered this offseason with three of their five starting offensive linemen set to become free agents. This situation wasn't ideal for any team, let alone one with a new offensive coordinator, offensive line coach, and potentially a new starting quarterback.
The Raiders wisely decided to bring back center Andre James to help build continuity along an offense with very little of it. At left tackle, the Raiders have one of the best in the business, Kolton Miller. The veteran offensive lineman rarely misses time and is one of the top-performing tackles when he is in the game.
After signing James, the Raiders have three starting offensive line positions figured out, with the versatile Dylan Parham starting at left guard. Last season, Parham proved to be one of the most valuable players the Raiders had on either side of the ball, displaying high football IQ and giving the Raiders a solid presence along the offensive line.
While the Raiders' signing of James was one of the best moves they could have made this offseason, they no longer have veteran lineman Greg Van Roten, who played well for the team last season.
Van Roten was just as dependable of a presence for the Raiders' offensive line as James and Miller were, playing in 98% of the team's offensive snaps. As good of a decision as it was to bring back James, losing Van Roten is nearly equally a significant loss for the team.
They also let starting tackle Jermaine Eluemunor walk in free agency. While Eluemunor struggled at times last season, overall, he was a solid player on the offensive line.
The Raiders have started the offseason by strategically adding to positions of need on both sides of the ball. They've done an excellent job of adding new free agents while doing their best to keep their free agents when it was responsible to do so.
Las Vegas still has plenty of time to make quality roster additions. Between veteran offensive linemen available in free agency and the NFL Draft, the Raiders will have to bolster their offensive line depth to have a successful upcoming season.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.
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