There have been plenty of problems surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024. Many of those problems have revolved around Sin City’s offense as a whole. Oftentimes, an offense is only as good as its line up front; that being the case, some of the Raiders’ offensive problems can naturally be attributed to those who are tasked with setting up blocks.
However, it’s certainly not all doom and gloom in regards to the team’s offensive line. Kolton Miller aside, who has the 13th-highest pass-blocking grade among all tackles league-wide this season via Pro Football Focus‘ grading system, the Raiders have gotten some note-worthy performances from their two youngest players in the unit: Jackson Powers-Johnson and D.J. Glaze.
The two rookies stand as good building blocks to move forward with in the future.
Still, the offensive line a spot Las Vegas needs to upgrade in terms of both overall talent and depth. Since the Raiders are likely going to land a young quarterback either this offseason or next, it’s paramount that whoever that quarterback is has a good line in front of him.
These three upcoming free agents are a good start towards accomplishing that.
Las Vegas Raiders: Taking a closer look at three free agent offensive lineman
Ryan Kelly: An immediate upgrade at center
If there’s been one constant for the Indianapolis Colts over the past half-decade, it’s their offensive line. While the Colts have struggled to pass the ball this year, they’ve continued to have a staunch rushing attack.
Much of that production comes from the middle of the line.
Indianapolis’ starting center is Ryan Kelly, who’s turning in an excellent season. Kelly, a nine-year starter for the Colts, is a well-rounded center who does well in both run and pass-blocking. The 31-year-old’s strength has come in terms of pass protection, where PFF gives him a 72.4 grade; the 10th-highest at his position.
Kelly’s success extends far beyond his ’24 campaign. Since entering the NFL, the Alabama alum has earned a Pro Bowl nod on four occasions.
Without any doubt, the center position is one the Silver and Black could stand to upgrade. Currently, Las Vegas has Andre James at center. While James has been productive for the Raiders in the past, he has struggled greatly this season. His 49.5 run-blocking grade, for example, ranks 56-of-62 centers in 2024.
Adding Kelly would immediately improve the heart of the offensive line for the Raiders.
Cam Robinson: Getting the Las Vegas Raiders insurance at left tackle
Cam Robinson signed a large-sized contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars back in 2022, one that came out to a total of $54 million. He’s now a member of the Minnesota Vikings, where he’s finishing the final year of that contract.
Although Robinson has been solid, it’s not likely he’ll see a contract that large during his second stint on the open market this offseason.
The 2024 season hasn’t been a bad one for the veteran left tackle, but he’s not exactly playing up to that price tag he landed earlier in his career. Through 16 contests, Robinson has allowed six tackles, tying for 18th-most among all offensive lineman across the NFL. Perhaps more importantly, the current Vikings tackle has been responsible for 13 penalties. Only seven offensive linemen league-wide are on the books for more.
With that said, Robinson typically excels in pass-protection. In 2023, the former Jaguar allowed a mere 13 pressures through nine contests. The year prior, in 2022, he was responsible for 27 through 14 games.
With Kolton Miller, the Raiders’ current left tackle, only growing in age and having some injury problems recently, it might be a good idea to bring in some extra depth at the position. Robinson could be a good option for that.
Morgan Moses: A veteran presence to help strengthen D.J. Glaze
Although Morgan Moses plays right tackle, and would be a good addition, the position isn’t one of need for the Raiders. D.J. Glaze, Las Vegas’ third-round pick in 2024, has had a tremendous rookie season. The Maryland alum appears to be a building block on the offensive line, and a player the Raiders should be able to count on for years to come.
With that said, Glaze is still young. Moses will be 34 years of age next year, and has accumulated a long career in the NFL. A successful one, too. 2024 marks the 10th-straight season Moses earned a starting role in the National Football League. His first missed contest during this timeframe was last season, still managing to suit up for 14-of-17 outings.
It might be nice to bring in a veteran like Moses who can show Glaze a thing or two, and help guide the young tackle as he begins what he hopes will be his own long NFL career.
The skill-set between the two is what really makes this a good fit. Glaze has been great as a run-blocker, but could improve more in pass protection. Moses has made his money in pass-protection throughout his career. Moses can offer some guidance, while helping Glaze become a better pass-blocker in the process.
In the meantime, the 33-year-old remains a dependable figure up front. Should Sin City need his services, he’ll be able to step in and perform well.
*Top Photo: Sports Illustrated/Fan Nation
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