A stalwart at left and potentially one at right. That summation of the Las Vegas Raiders offensive tackle position is as apt as it can get.
Kolton Miller is an anchor at left tackle and arguably the best offensive lineman for the Silver and Black, overcoming both injury and a rollercoaster rookie year to become a stout blindside protector. Miller’s tag team partner on the right is currently Jermaine Eluemunor, a veteran lineman well-versed in the ways of Patriot Games, i.e., he’s accustomed to the New England style that’s been brought to the desert. Unlike Miller, however, Eluemunor hasn’t entrenched himself as the clear-cut starter, and he’s slated to face competition.
Thus, “potentially.”
Let’s have a look…
Meet the Las Vegas Raiders’ tackles
(By years of experience)
- Jermaine Eluemunor, 6-foot-4, 330 lbs., 7 years, 28 years old
- Kolton Miller, 6-foot-8, 325 lbs., 6 years, 27 years old
- Brandon Parker, 6-foot-8, 320 lbs., 6 years, 27 years old
- Justin Murray, 6-foot-5, 315 lbs., 6 years, 30 years old
- Justin Herron, 6-foot-5, 290 lbs., 4 years, 27 years old
- Thayer Munford Jr., 6-foot-6, 315 lbs., 2 years, 23 years old
- Dalton Wagner, 6-foot-8, 320 lbs., Rookie, 24 years old
Who’s the weakest link?
Parker. It would’ve been easy to go with Murray, Herron, Munford, or Wagner here, but the North Carolina A&T product is the pick. Parker was brought back this offseason after missing last season with a triceps injury; however, when he did play in preseason, he was more of a liability than an asset. After missing a season, it’s difficult to see the six-year veteran suddenly turn it around in 2023 for the Raiders. But stranger things have happened.
Under the radar…
Wagner. A powerful prospect out of Arkansas, the undrafted free agent has run-dominator written all over him. That parlays itself more into a potential role as a right tackle and a power steamroller. Where Wagner excels in run blocking, his pass protection is in severe need of refinement. That’s due to Wagner playing too high and tall at times and not exhibiting the bend required to combat pass rushers. However, if there’s someone on the roster that can teach the 6-foot-8 prospect how to play lower, it’s Miller.
The surefire starter for the Raiders is…
Miller, and pencil in Eluemunor, too. There isn’t a tackle on the roster that can displace Miller at left tackle, and unless Munford, Parker, Murray, Herron, or even Wagner show they’re a better option at right, expect Eluemunor to be the starter on that side. Las Vegas is big on competition, and offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo showed he isn’t shy about rotating people in position groups to find the best five. With the offensive line’s starting five back, though, it seems competition will be mostly for roles behind Miller and Eluemunor.
Miller and Eluemunor start at left and right tackle, respectively. Where things get a little murky is if one of the two misses any snaps or time. Looking at the tackle group as a whole, the names are there, but the quality of the snaps remains questionable. Meaning, if Miller goes down (he missed Week 11 last season), Eluemunor slides to left tackle with Munford elevating to starter at right tackle. That’s exactly what happened last season in the Raiders’ 22-16 win over the Denver Broncos.
Miller has been a relative iron man the last two seasons and rarely missed time; however, Las Vegas must find his direct backup to alleviate the shuffle. Eluemunor, meanwhile, will likely face competition from both Munford and Parker. Wagner, Herron, and Murray can play the extra lineman role in jumbo packages (potentially replacing a tight end). Wagner is the project, but if he pans out, he has the opportunity to give the Raiders a domineering power product at right tackle.
*Top Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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