The Las Vegas Raiders could help themselves by signing Daryl Williams to shore up the right tackle spot this offseason.
Amidst social media chatter, such as Trent Brown’s offseason posts on Twitter, we still don’t know what the Raiders have planned. When Brown’s healthy and on the field, he’s one of the better right tackles in the NFL. Unfortunately, staying available has been an ongoing issue and the Silver and Black might’ve seen enough. If Brown’s gone, Las Vegas will need help and Williams could provide excellent depth and would be an instant starter.
The team could also invest one of their early draft selections on a tackle such as Alex Leatherwood. However, with so many holes on defense that might not be the best route. Williams could hold down the starting job with Denzelle Good taking over at left guard if Richie Incognito doesn’t return. This, of course, assuming the Raiders’ brass retain Good, which should also be a priority.
Related: What Is Raiders Biggest Need Overall This Offseason?
What could Williams bring to the Raiders?
Williams had an impressive 2020 campaign, Pro Football Focus graded his pass-blocking at 80.0 and run blocking at 76.9. These numbers were based on 1,050 snaps played last year as Williams was able to bounce back from an injury-riddled 2018 season. The following season, Williams signed a one-year deal to play for the Carolina Panthers, where he had snaps at both tackle and left guard.
With their own financial dilemma, the Buffalo Bills must decide if Williams showed enough to warrant a large long-term contract. Williams won’t come cheap for the Raiders despite previous injuries, so it’s fair to wonder if his 2020 display was enough for them to wonder the same.
If Las Vegas is serious about a playoff run, they can’t afford a drop-off at right tackle. We’ll have to wait and see what the Raiders’ brain trust has in store for Brown and Good first, then we can see how they feel about adding someone of Williams’ caliber.
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*Top Photo: James P. McCoy/Buffalo News