Can Raiders' OL Become One of NFL's Best in 2023?

Before the start of the 2022 NFL season, the Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive line was not expected to be one of the league’s better units.

In fact, when ranking every team’s offensive line a year ago, Pro Football Focus ranked the Raiders’ group at No. 29, in front of only the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, and Seattle Seahawks.

By the end of the season, the Raiders were ranked at No. 10, surprising the league with how efficient they were throughout 2022. They were an excellent run blocking team, but will need to improve their overall pass protection if they want to remain an elite unit in 2023.

Let’s take a closer look at the Raiders’ offensive line and see how they can become one of the league’s best units for the 2023 season.

Starting at left tackle, Kolton Miller has developed into one of the league’s premier players at that position since being a top-15 draft pick. He has scarcely been penalized in the last few seasons, only being called for five infractions in 2022.

Miller allowed four sacks last season and earned elite run and pass blocking grades from PFF. If he could allow even fewer sacks in 2023, he could be in line to become one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL.

Dylan Parham started all 17 games last season at left guard for the Raiders, and while the overall numbers were not eye-popping, the development and week-to-week improvement was evident.

Parham starting every game as a third-round rookie is impressive in itself, and he should be in line for a big second year improvement in play.

Andre James is the man in the middle for another season, and he has developed into one of the more reliable centers in the NFL since taking over as the starter in 2021. Being consistent is the biggest key for James if he hopes to anchor an elite Raiders offensive line.

Alex Bars had rough moments last season at right guard, but the Raiders brought him back for the 2023 season, seeing enough in him to believe he can hold down the right guard spot once again.

Bars allowed five sacks last season, fifth-most by a guard. His improvement will be key for the Raiders to become possibly a top five offensive line unit in the NFL.

Jermaine Eluemunor is the presumed starter at right tackle after having an impressive season, stepping in for injured Brandon Parker. Eluemunor earned a 75.3 overall grade from PFF last season, and earned another contract with the Raiders.

This grouping was impressive last season, and Coach Josh McDaniels has been the coach of some elite offensive line units in the past. He is hoping to have another one in Las Vegas, and if 2022 is any indicator, should have another one going into 2023.

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