Two Raiders have the chance to win inaugural Protector of the Year award

For a long time, offensive line was widely regarded as the most unheralded position group in the NFL.

Offensive linemen rarely make headlines in the NFL, often being limited to discussions about strong or poorly the group is playing. However, it is no secret that the best teams have benefitted from strong play in the trenches, with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions seeing a direct correlation between improved play up front to their placement in the standings. Despite that, however, offensive linemen are rarely considered for awards, and their position is the only one that did not have a single honor dedicated to them.

That was, until this upcoming season, with the NFL announcing the Protector of the Year award to recognize the best offensive lineman in the NFL.

For two Las Vegas Raiders, they have the chance to earn much-deserved recognition around the league.

Left tackle Kolton Miller stands as the best possible candidate the Raiders have right now, but doing so would require him to step up and reach the NFL’s elite at the position.

“Despite being a full time starter since his rookie season and a solid left tackle fo the Raiders the past six years, he has never made the Pro Bowl,” wrote Raiders Wire’s Levi Damien. “And you’d have to figure those who are already established as being the best at their position would have the inside track on being recognized for their efforts. Mainly because it isn’t like there are solid stats that come into play for linemen the same way there are for most other positions.”

As far as an upside play for the award is concerned, second-year center Jackson Powers-Johnson stands out, coming off a promising rookie campaign.

“Jackson Powers-Johnson would figure to have a decent shot being that he was the top drafted center in last year’s draft and is entering his first season as the full time starter at the position. Should he excel right away, he could earn recognition,” Damien continued.

After that, the Raiders have some questions along the line. Incumbent starter DJ Glaze may have to fend off third-round rookie Charles Grant at right tackle, while the two guard spots are a four-way competition between Alex Cappa, Jordan Meredith, Dylan Parham, and rookie Caleb Rogers. Unless an unforeseen breakout occurs, Miller and Powers-Johnson stand as the best chances the Raiders have to bring the inaugural award to Las Vegas.

With a new accolade in the picture, it will be intriguing to see how players perform with the added motivation.