The starting five for the Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive line continues to be the hot topic in camp. In an ever-changing story, Lester Cotton Sr. has been a name thrown around as a potential starter at right guard.
The competition on the right side of the Raiders’ O-line has been well-documented. The new head coach, Josh McDaniels, made it clear earlier this offseason that competition would be fueling camp, the trenches in particular. By all accounts, Cotton is making the most of his opportunity and is flourishing so far in Henderson. In what could be an interesting twist and a damning stain on the previous regime, Cotton might end up forcing Alex Leatherwood to the bench. For that to happen, Brandon Parker would have to win the starting right tackle job as well.
As far as potentially being a starter, Cotton gave his thoughts on the matter when speaking with the media.
“We haven’t gotten there yet. If I continue doing what I’m doing on the field and continue to compete, it would be an honor. I know a lot of guys would be happy for me. I would be happy for myself, obviously. It’ll be an honor and it’ll be good for me to be out there with the guys I’m with and then learn from the guys that were before me, like Richie Incognito, Gabe Jackson, Rodney Hudson, all those guys that I actually had the time to see and be behind and study and watch.”
Lester Cotton Sr. recalls the long journey to possibly becoming a starter
Cotton’s story is one that deserves recognition. He bounced back after being released and is now on the verge of becoming a starter for Week 1. He also made the solid point that he’s had some excellent mentors, such as Rodney Hudson and Richie Incognito.
It should also be noted that Cotton affirmed something that’s been heard throughout camp. We’re referring to both McDaniels and O-line coach Carmen Bricillo being non-committal. That certainly keeps the linemen on their toes, not settling and giving it all on a daily basis. At the end of the day, Cotton also added that this unit is very much a “brotherhood” and every contributor on the O-line wants to see the other succeed.
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*Top Photo: Chris Unger/Getty Images