Will the Raiders have Competition at Right Tackle?
The Las Vegas Raiders need as many healthy players as possible on the offensive line.
Fortunately for Coach Josh McDaniels, there might be a good problem regarding this, as he could have a right tackle competition on his hands.
Brandon Parker is back healthy after missing the 2022 season because of a tricep injury. Parker started 13 games at right tackle in 2021, playing 881 snaps and allowing eight sacks and 53 pressures.
In his place, Jermaine Eluemunor started all 17 games and played 801 snaps at right tackle. Eluemunor was excellent as the starting right tackle in 2022, thriving as both a run and pass blocker. He allowed only three sacks and 26 pressures all season.
With both players healthy, McDaniels must decide what to do at the right tackle spot. He could give it back to Parker now that he is healthy or have him and Eluemunor battle in camp to see who will earn the job. Both players were re-signed this offseason.
Eluemunor played 940 snaps last season for the Raiders but only 801 at right tackle. He also played 66 snaps at left tackle and 71 at right guard. His versatility could give him a leg up on the competition, or the Raiders could view him as a lineman not exclusive to right tackle, moving Parker to that spot and allowing Eluemunor to play elsewhere.
Parker has been with the Raiders since 2018, when he was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft out of North Carolina A&T. He started 12 games his rookie season but battled injuries in 2019, 2020, and 2022. If he can stay healthy this season, however, he could get a fair shot at being the starting right tackle.
McDaniels will have a choice as that position battle will rage throughout practice and camp. With Eluemunor’s play last season and ability to stay healthy, he appears to have the advantage, but Parker has been with the Raiders longer, and that could play in his favor.
Either way, the Raiders will have a capable right tackle starting in 2023.
The Raiders' offseason workout schedule is as follows:
OTA Offseason workouts: June 12-15
Mandatory Minicamp: June 6-8
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