Is Jermaine Eluemunor the best option at right tackle for the Las Vegas Raiders, all things considered? Our colleague over at Bleacher Report and Sportsnaut, Maurice Moton, recently wrote that Eluemunor might be the answer when you consider the options available. Personally, there was a post I wrote at Just Blog Baby where the case for Eluemunor was laid out as well. Regardless, the man whose opinion truly matters in this is the Raiders’ starting quarterback, Derek Carr.
Is Derek Carr comfortable with Jermaine Eluemunor at right tackle?
While speaking with the media yesterday, Carr addressed Eluemunor’s growth and his comfort when he’s blocking for the signal-caller.
“He’s a very confident guy, so when he’s in there, no matter who he has to block and what’s asked of him, you know you’re going to get everything that he has, and that’s all you can ask. He’s going to
compete, he’s going to give it everything he has. I think one thing is he’s used to hard coaching. When you get guys that come into the league and they’re not used to hard coaching or things like that, they could go the other way. But when you get coached hard every day and you’re used to it and you’re a veteran, you just keep getting better, and he’s someone that I’ve seen do that throughout the years with tough coaching.”
Eluemunor and the McDaniels effect
Obviously, Carr respects Eluemunor and certainly thinks highly of him. It’s interesting that Carr mentioned the coaching aspect when it comes to Eluemunor’s game. The offensive lineman is familiar with both Josh McDaniels and Bill Belichick. He knows how to play disciplined football, but more importantly, he knows what’s expected of him. Getting “coached hard” as Carr alludes to, is no joking matter. Eluemunor comes from one of the best coaching groups in the NFL in New England. The familiarity with McDaniels’ scheme has no doubt also played a part in his development with the Raiders this year.
If the Raiders need him to start at the right tackle spot, he’ll do it. If nothing else, he will compete out there, regardless of whoever he has to block.
As far as training camp goes, now that it’s officially over as of today, Carr praised Eluemunor’s work ethic and attitude, and in general, is excited about his prospects this season. Right now, signs are pointing to Eluemunor getting the nod. Perhaps this Friday’s final preseason game against the New England Patriots will give a bit more clarity.
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*Top Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports