The Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive line has much of the attention right now at training camp. Given the recent development of Denzelle Good’s retirement, it’s not all that shocking. The right side of the unit remains far from settled. Alex Leatherwood will start inside as a guard or resume being the right tackle after struggling as a rookie. As for the four-year veteran, Brandon Parker, he’s fully aware of the opportunity he has right now and is making the most of the current competition in Henderson.
While speaking to the media, Parker was asked straight up if he felt like he was the starter at right tackle. As you might predict, he was noncommittal, knowing full well that this would not be his decision. Regardless, he pointed out that he’s not letting his chance go by the wayside.
“I’m literally competing every rep I get. He told us it’s outright competition. We got [Alex] Leatherwood, myself, Jermaine [Eluemunor], and Jackson [Barton]. We’ve got a lot of good guys that could do it as well. When they put me there, they put me there, but as for right now, I just do the best I can.”
Competition is fueling Brandon Parker and the Raiders’ O-line
When speaking about last season, Parker alluded to what was a successful campaign for him in terms of maintaining a starting role.
“It’s just been a gradual progression over the years. As you know, I kind of took a lot of lumps my rookie year. [In] my second year, I didn’t play a lot. [I] played when I was needed. Third year, kind of the same thing. Just kind of learning behind the guys who were ahead of me. And then when it was my turn, using what they taught me and trying to just be the best that I can for my team.”
In 2021, Parker started 13 games for the Raiders. Overall, the O-line struggled, especially in terms of the run game. According to Pro Football Focus, Parker struggled in that department, earning a 56.8 grade. He will also need to clean up his game. Parker was penalized a grand total of ten times last year. If there’s one thing that this new regime will not abide by, it’s reckless, sloppy play. That goes for both Parker and Leatherwood.
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*Top Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports