This year’s free agent offensive lineman class is very impressive, and there are several players the Las Vegas Raiders should consider.
In 2022, the Raiders offensive line went through a learning and growing process. The line was ranked 31st by Pro Football Focus after Week 2 but improved enough to finish the season ranked in the top 10. PFF writer Sam Morrison had this to say about the unit:
“The Raiders ranked 31st back in Week 2 but finished the season rounding out the top 10.”
The Raiders’ O-line got better and better as the season went on. Andre James, Dylan Parham, Kolton Miller, and Thayer Munford Jr. all showed sustained success in 2022. The only real weaknesses on the roster were the lack of veteran leadership and production at right guard. Here are three free agent offensive linemen that can fill those holes.
Raiders’ Option No. 1: Ben Powers
Ben Powers is an absolute animal & will make someone very happy as a free agent this off-season.
Could still ink a new deal with the #Ravens, but after ranking 10th in pass block win rate $ 2nd in run block win rate among Guards, he’ll have a huge market. pic.twitter.com/7xPpJv7rer
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) February 20, 2023
Ben Powers picked a good time to have the best season of his career. Powers is a massive guy, standing at 6’4″ and 340 lbs. Ben isn’t the best run blocker, but he’s excellent in the passing game. He started all 17 games and the Ravens’ playoff game and did not allow a single sack throughout the entire season. He was an absolute brick wall, and as a guard, he would round out a unit that was just one more player away from being one of the best in the league.
Raiders’ Option No. 2: Isaac Seumalo
.@BaldyNFL wants more people wearing Isaac Seumalo jerseys in Philly 💪 pic.twitter.com/Jxg8NjX0MX
— NFL Total Access (@NFLTotalAccess) January 24, 2023
Isaac Seumalo was one of the better pieces on a very good Philadelphia Eagles team. Seumalo had an excellent year in 2022, playing in 19 of the Eagles’ 20 games. During those games, he allowed just one sack and 22 pressures. Playing alongside several good players on the Eagles’ line couldn’t have hurt, but Seumalo did more than prove his worth as a top offensive lineman free agent. He’s 29 years old and has had some injury problems, but they appear to be in the past after a solid season last year. Seumalo won’t break the bank, but he would be an excellent asset for the Raiders.
Raiders’ Option No. 3: Kelvin Beachum
Kelvin Beachum is one of the better veteran players in the league among all positions. Beachum would be the perfect veteran role model in Las Vegas. The offensive tackle is 34 now, yet his performance in 2022 showed no signs of slowing down. The veteran tackle played more than 1,000 snaps and had another terrific season as a pass blocker. His run-blocking has lost some skill, yet the Raiders don’t necessarily need him to fill a hole at either tackle position. Beachum’s veteran presence alone should be very helpful as one of the best free agents in this class.
*Top Photo: NFLPA