Spytek, Raiders Add Offensive Lineman: What It Means

With their first preseason game of the season quickly approaching on Thursday, the Las Vegas Raiders made another addition to their offensive line Wednesday. The Raiders made the addition while they are still in the process of solidifying the depth chart along their offensive line.

Raiders Make Another Addition

Las Vegas completed training camp on Tuesday evening at Allegiant Stadium, then signed offensive lineman Braeden Daniels. The fourth-year offensive lineman has spent time with several practice squads around the league, including the Dallas Cowboys and, most recently, the Miami Dolphins.

Daniels will be a depth piece on Las Vegas' offensive line, as their front office continues to make changes to the unit. The Raiders will take the next few weeks of preseason practices and games to sort things out.

What This Means for the Raiders' Offensive Line

In a corresponding move, the Raiders waived/injured offensive guard Justin Pickett. The Raiders' front office continues to make moves they believe will improve the roster overall, regardless of how big or small those moves may be.

The addition of Daniels to a position group that Las Vegas is still figuring out shows they are serious about revamping every level of their depth chart. Daniels' addition is likely not a big move, but it should send somewhat of a message to the players that the front office notices everything.

The addition of Daniels should also be a reminder that it will take longer than just this offseason to truly fix Las Vegas' most pressing issue. When healthy, the Raiders' offensive line is better than it was last season, but the starters need further development in a new system, and the unit still needs depth.

Raiders offensive line coach Rick Dennison recently explained where the Raiders' offensive line stands, noting that although some positions have been solidified, players on each level of the offensive line's depth chart are still competing.

“They're all trying to be the best they can be for the team, whatever role they are. I think that's the big thing. It's a big 'we' in our meeting room,” Dennison said following training camp.

“They all talk about we watch individual, we watch team, I correct them, they talk to each other, and the leaders like Kolton [Miller], he'll say, 'This is what I would have done. You should think about this.' So, those guys have shared information. I think they're just trying to get the best team out there."

After an offseason filled with big swings that added much-needed talent, there is not much more the Raiders' front office can do to improve the roster this offseason. Still, they continue to look for ways to improve at every turn, as they look to establish a firm offensive identity under Klint Kubiak.

The Raiders have improved the coaching along their offensive line and look to continue adding talent when possible this offseason and beyond. Dennison elaborated, noting that he and the coaching staff are doing all they can to help build a cohesive offensive line.

“I don't think we have anybody in the room that doesn't want to be pushed. That's why they're here. If they were that way, they probably wouldn't be here, right? So I don't know if I'm tough or not, I'm just me. I tell them all the time, I'm going to be mad at you if you make a mistake. If you make it twice, I'm really going to be mad,” Dennison said.

“But it's important that they know that their jobs are essential for all 11 to do right. It's not just one guy. All 11 got to do something right. So, we can't just say we're successful because one guy did it right. We've all got to work together, that's why the five of them have got to work hard."

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