Via Si.com
The Las Vegas Raiders kicked off OTA’s on Wednesday and there have already been some interesting storylines, mainly about the health of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and the status of both Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams when it comes to their team standing. Garoppolo is dealing with a foot injury but will be ready for training camp, and Adams cleared up everything you’d want him to and more with his statements today. That said, the Raiders are entering the point of the off-season where it’s crucial to find out who’s going to end up in what spot and where the majority of snaps are going to end up. The offense is hammered out mainly and there are some key spots that are locked down, including the starting quarterback, receivers, majority of the line and running back, but what about the others?
- Guard: Greg Van Roten vs Netane Muti vs Alex Bars vs Justin Murray vs McClendon Curtis
The Raiders drafted Dylan Parham in the third round of the 2022 draft, and he played decently as a rookie. A development track is in store, but he will no doubt see a starting role in 2023 and the future beyond that. After that, not only is the depth situation just a mess, but there’s no dignified starter. Prior to the Greg Van Roten signing, I would’ve predicted the winner to likely be Netane Muti and now it’s just another body in the mix, but I’d say Muti still has a slight edge by maybe 2%. Van Roten appeared in 354 snaps for the Buffalo Bills, allowing just 10 pressures, mainly at right guard, though he’s also played at left guard over his career. He’s a veteran who’s likely going to see initial first team snaps when training camp kicks off. Netane Muti was signed from the Denver Broncos and is a favorite of offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo. Mtui has recorded 467 snaps with 271 in pass protection allowing three sacks and 20 pressures, though he’s gotten better as time has gone on. He’s able to flip between left and right guard, though it might be best if he’s kept on the left side.
Last year’s starter, Alex Bars, is likely on the outside looking in, and a large section of Raider fans might be excited hearing that news. Bars played 852 snaps last year, with 528 coming in pass protection across both right and left guard, mainly at right, though. He allowed five sacks and 38 pressures while also posting a 45.4 PFF grade. He notably struggled against top talent with Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons posting four pressures, Indianapolis Colts Deforest Buckner had four as well and Kansas City Chiefs superstar tackle Chris Jones posted 11 pressures and two sacks on Bars. Justin Murray is a sleeper to win the spot, the former Oakland (yes Oakland) Raider has 548 snaps at right guard, allowing just one sack and 13 pressures in 415 pass blocking attempts. He’s a veteran at 30 years old and hasn’t posted over 100 snaps since 2020 with the Arizona Cardinals, but he’s likely the most consistent guard the Raiders could roll out. McClendon Curtis is a raw undrafted free agent, though the projected fourth round pick has NFL starting traits if worse comes to worse. It’s an upward road for Curtis, and he very likely could be the Raiders’ future starter, it’s just hard to see him earning more than a developmental role this season.
Early Prediction: Greg Van Roten
- WR4: DeAndre Carter vs Tre Tucker vs Cam Sims
Things get a lot more interesting if this becomes a battle for the slot position, which gets Phillip Dorsett and Keelan Cole involved. Carter is coming off a career season with the Los Angeles Chargers which saw him record a career high in snaps, receptions, yards, and touchdowns with 46 catches for 538 yards and four touchdowns. The Raiders like Carter’s versatility between the slot and outside, though he’ll likely stick in the slot. The team went and drafted Cincinnati speedster Tre Tucker 100th overall after he posted 111 receptions for 1,426 yards, eight touchdowns and another 138 rushing yards in 50 games for the Bearcats. Tucker’s impact is with his 4.38 speed and elite kick return ability right now, but fan’s shouldn’t sleep on his ability to run routes at a high level and stretch the field. Cam Sims is a surprise, not saying he’s going to win the role, but the 6-5, 220 pound receiver has Josh McDaniels attention. He only recorded eight receptions for 89 yards in 2022, but has a career 57 receptions for 804 yards and three touchdowns. He’s a big body with smooth route running who can open up the field in the red zone and downfield on contested catches.
Prediction: Tre Tucker
- Tight End: Michael Mayer vs Austin Hooper
This battle is going to be fun, as both Mayer and Hooper deserve a ton of respect. The Raiders traded Darren Waller and some could say they upgraded at the position overall, which I’d slightly agree with. Hooper is a two – time Pro Bowler and only 28 years old, making $2.25 million after posting 41 receptions for 444 yards and two touchdowns with the Titans. In his career, he’s recorded 339 catches for 3,468 yards and 25 touchdowns over 105 games. While Hooper isn’t going to block off the charts, he does a good job, something the Raiders need. He’s a productive and proven veteran who has earned the right to see a fair share of snaps if it wasn’t for Michael Mayer. Mayer owns the Notre Dame record for career yards, touchdowns, and catches by a tight end after hauling in 180 receptions for 2,099 yards and 18 touchdowns in only 27 games. Mayer is an elite blocker and can often create wide open lanes for his running back, something Josh Jacobs loves. Mayer is going to push Hooper for starting snaps and by the end of the year will likely win that role, but for now, Mayer’s lack of initial YAC ability could be a tough drag.
Prediction: Austin Hooper till around week eight
- Offensive Tackle Depth: Thayer Munford vs Justin Herron vs Brandon Parker
The Raiders have their starters with Kolton Miller and Jermaine Eluemunor. Thayer Munford appeared in every game last year posting 369 snaps, allowing just one sack and 11 pressures in 216 pass blocking snaps. He’s young and needs to develop into being starting caliber, but it’s not a shock to see him really earn time as the swing tackle, especially with his run blocking. The team traded for Justin Herron mid-season, and he looked to be in line for a role before suffering an ACL injury. He’s appeared in a career 762 snaps, allowing five sacks and 29 pressures split between both left and right tackle. Herron is a strong run blocker, and the Raiders could look to use him as a sixth lineman at times if he wins the job. Finally, comes Brandon Parker, who’s caused a split between fans for his play despite being an ok tackle. Parker has a career 2,200 snaps allowing 22 sacks and 120 pressures, which is below average. He’s mainly a right tackle, but the staff likes him, and he can play at left tackle if needed, actually he might be best there. Trying to find a spot for all three of these tackles is tough, and one might end up getting traded before the season starts, which isn’t a surprise.
Prediction: Thayer Munford and Justin Herron
Similar NFL content:
–Way-Too-Early Las Vegas Raiders 2024 Mock Draft
–Five QBs Who Could Be Moved After 2023
–2023 NFL Draft Steals: AFC West
To stay up to date with all the latest in sports, check out the link below!
