Raiders' Right Side Rebuild: Young Linemen Ready to Shine
As uncertain as the Raiders' offensive line might have seemed this offseason, the team had confidence in their guys from the get-go. With the first team right guard and right tackle spots manned by Dylan Parham and Thayer Munford respectively, the Raiders believe they have their starters.
Draft Picks Making Strides
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Dylan Parham: Drafted in the third round in 2022, Parham has been a solid starter at left guard since his rookie season. Now, the coaching staff sees his natural fit on the right side. Offensive line coach James Cregg explains, "We run more wide zone and things like that and he's just more natural, especially him being a center... The game was more natural for him over there, that's why we moved him."
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Thayer Munford: A seventh-round pick in 2022, Munford has shown his versatility by playing both right and left tackle. He split time between the two positions last season, filling in for injured players. Cregg is optimistic about Munford's development, noting his untapped athleticism and improvement with each practice. "He's still learning. He's a raw football player... He's been a pleasant surprise over there at right."
New Additions and Shifts
With Parham moving to right guard, the left guard position opened up. The Raiders addressed this by drafting Jackson Powers-Johnson, a Rimington Award winner, and signing veteran Cody Whitehair. While Powers-Johnson deals with a shoulder injury, Whitehair, who previously played under Raiders' new OC Luke Getsy with the Bears, has been filling in seamlessly.
Tackle Talk
While Munford is the frontrunner for the right tackle spot, the Raiders also brought in DJ Glaze, a right tackle from Maryland, with their third-round pick. Glaze serves as an insurance policy, ensuring depth and flexibility on the line. If Munford doesn't secure the starting role, his ability to play both sides makes him a valuable swing tackle.
Exciting Points to Watch
- Young Talent: The Raiders are banking on their young draftees, Parham and Munford, to solidify the right side of the line.
- Veteran Influence: Cody Whitehair's experience and familiarity with the offensive scheme provide stability and mentorship for the younger players.
- Depth and Versatility: With the addition of DJ Glaze and the versatility of Munford, the Raiders have built a robust offensive line ready to adapt and overcome injuries.
The Raiders are not just patching up their offensive line; they are crafting a unit that blends youth, experience, and flexibility. This season, all eyes will be on how this mix performs and if they can rise to the challenge.
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