Should the Las Vegas Raiders pursue a right tackle in free agency? It depends on who you’re asking. Some people believe that Brandon Parker will be the starter in that role, with Alex Leatherwood getting moved inside. At the same time, Lester Cotton Sr. is apparently making waves at camp. So, that would leave either Parker or Leatherwood as the starting right tackle. The real question is whether Daryl Williams would be a better option than the aforementioned options.
Bleacher Report recently took a look at the top remaining NFL free agents. Williams obviously cracked the list but what’s notable here is that the Raiders are still listed as the best fit. As far as Las Vegas is concerned, nothing official has surfaced regarding any additions. Regardless, that doesn’t erase the notion that the Raiders could benefit from adding Williams.
“At this stage of the game durability, consistency and versatility are in-demand traits when it comes to offensive linemen. That’s why Daryl Williams comes in as one of the top-ranked free agent linemen available. Williams is not a dominant blocker. He’s never been a Pro Bowler or All-Pro selection. However, if he’s the weak link in the offensive line, it’s a good unit.”
Raiders free agency: Does Dave Ziegler need to make a move?
Alex Ballentine made some solid points regarding Williams. If you plug in Williams, he’s an instant upgrade over Parker, and it means you remove the pressure of starting at right tackle from Leatherwood. Instead, last year’s first round pick can have the opportunity to flourish in his more natural position on the inside. That’s assuming Cotton doesn’t win the job from him if Williams joins the team in that scenario.
While reviews from the media who are at camp are raving about Parker, Cotton, and the rest of the offensive line, it’s still early. Williams falls under the category of a proven commodity. Just like Ballentine says, he’s not an All-Pro, but he’d be a solid starter and, more importantly, give the team reliable, quality depth.
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*Top Photo: Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images
