Training camp is well underway for the Las Vegas Raiders in Henderson, NV. One of the most underrated storylines that continues to gain national attention is the situation with the offensive line. In fact, there were several O-line-related headlines in the Raiders’ news this week, so it shouldn’t be a surprise.
CBS Sports recently took a look at all 32 NFL training camps, naming what they felt were the most noteworthy musings. For the Raiders, you guessed it, it was the offensive line. Cody Benjamin believes that both the Raiders and Green Bay Packers have “glaring holes” that still need to be addressed.
“Both teams have high hopes, the Packers looking to translate regular-season dominance to postseason victory and the Raiders looking to justify their pricey offseason. And both may be good; Rodgers, in particular, ensures Green Bay will at least stay competitive. As for the Raiders, receiver isn’t a problem now that Adams is in town, but goodness gracious, will [Derek] Carr have time to deliver the ball behind his line? His starting five was already iffy after a rough 2021, and then right guard Denzelle Good abruptly retired this week.”
The O-line will dominate Raiders news for the foreseeable future
In many ways, Benjamin makes some solid points. The Raiders truly had one of the more expensive offseasons when you’re accounting for all of the contract extensions. However, any team that’s serious about contending needs to drop some serious coin. As far as the O-line, general manager Dave Ziegler made comments earlier this offseason that they tried to acquire help for the position, but it didn’t work out. Instead, they opted to go after Chandler Jones.
As far as Good’s retirement, it certainly throws a monkey wrench into the situation. As of now, it’s an open competition, and several players are making the most of it. One of those players is Lester Cotton Sr. When talking to the media this week, Brandon Parker shared some insight into how Cotton is doing so far in camp.
“From day one, he stepped in, [and] he’s always kind of had that want to, that dog about him. He kind of had to shape up a little bit. He was much bigger when he came in, but he’s kind of dedicated himself again.”
The entire situation is fluid. Training with pads on just began. No one really knows what the starting unit will look like. Nevertheless, as Benjamin mentioned, will Carr have enough time to throw the ball? Which combination is going to afford him the most time? That’s the million-dollar question.
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*Top Photo: Official Raiders website