Is the offensive line set?
The Las Vegas Raiders have added to their offensive line this offseason by signing former Chicago longtime starting guard Cody Whitehair and adding Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson in the second round of the draft and Maryland tackle Delmar Glaze.
Let’s take a look where the position stands after the draft:
New free agent added:
Cody Whitehair.
Free agents re-signed:
Center Andre James
Free agent who departed:
Jermaine Eluemunor (New York Giants), Brandon Parker (San Francisco 49ers).
Remaining unrestricted free agents:
Guard Greg Van Roten, center Hroniss Grasu.
Draft:
The Raiders added Powers-Johnson with the No 44 overall pick. He was expected to be a late first-round pick. In third round, at No. 77, Las Vegas took Maryland tackle Delmar Glaze.
Conclusion:
The Raiders announced Powers-Johnson as a guard when they drafted him and informed James will be the starting center. Powers-Johnson played some guard in 2022 for the Ducks. He and Whitehair will compete, but expect the rookie to be given every chance to start right away. Whitehair has started 118 games in his eight-season career. He did start a career-low 11 games in 2023 and has just three career starts a right guard. Thayer Munford has the inside track to be the starting right tackle. Glaze, who has 32 college starts at tackle, will likely be a backup to begin his career, but if he shines early, he could steal the job. But for now, pencil in Thayer at right tackle. So, things are starting to clear up in terms of the starting lineup on the offensive line. I’d expect Powers-Johnson and Thayer to join James, left guard Dylan Parham and left tackle Kolton Miller in Week 1. That’s plenty solid.