2017 Raiders Preview: AFC West Offensive Line Rankings
The AFC West is one of the most competitive divisions in the entire NFL. Does that same standard apply to the offensive line? Where do the Raiders rank?
The offensive line doesn’t get a ton of recognition but they’re the catalyst that helps an offense move the ball via the air and ground. Here are the offensive lines of the AFC West ranked.
AROUND COVER32
The Latest: Chargers’ first round pick, WR, Mike Williams, could be out for entire sesaon
Around the NFL: Could Steelers’ WR, Sammie Coates, be on the chopping block
What’s Trending: Roger Goodwell will be in Foxborough for NFL season opener
Fantasy Focus: Don’t sleep on Dolphins’ TE, Julius Thomas, in fantasy drafts
NFL Player Spotlight: Vikings’ WR, Laquon Treadwell, ready to prove himself in year two
No. 4: Los Angeles Chargers
L.A. Invested in the offensive line by selecting Dan Feeney and Forrest Lamp in the NFL Draft. Both were first round talents that slid into the middle rounds. Either play could start at guard as rookie. That is an indicator of the Chargers’ offensive line as well as their talent.
They also added Russell Okung in free agency. Okung seemed like a franchise LT a few years ago but he is on his third team in as many years.
Ultimately, Los Angeles gave up the 24th most sacks last season. They high turnover on the offensive line should improve that. However, the Chargers have too much turnover to rank them above the other AFC West teams. We don’t know how this group will mesh until they start playing games. Otherwise, incumbent starters RT Joe Barksdale and C Matt Slauson have proven to be nothing more than solid NFL starters.
No. 3: Denver Broncos
Denver also underwent major turnover this offseason. The Broncos selected Garrett Bolles with hopes that he becomes the franchise’s next great left tackle.
They also added Ronald Leary who was the No. 22 rated guard in football from Pro Football Focus. Leary played with the Cowboys the past few seasons so he knows about developing a dominating offensive line. Denver signed Menelik Watson from the Raiders too. Watson is better than advertised if he can somehow stay healthy.
The Broncos get the nod over the Chargers because they have Matt Paradis and Max Garcia. Paradis graded as PFF’s No. 2 ranked center and Garcia is entering his second full season starting. Both third year players should help the Broncos solidify their young offensive line. This group may become very talented in the AFC West, down the line, but they still need a lot of development.
No. 2: Kansas City
The offensive line group needs chemistry and camaraderie probably more than any other position on the NFL. The Chiefs probably had the least turnover on their offensive line in the AFC West.
This group is capable but not outstanding. Football Outsiders ranked this group as No. 17 in adjusted rushing yards and 14th in adjusted sack rate. This is mediocrity is easily attributed to the Chiefs’ quick passing game and talented group of runners.
Tackles Geoff Schwartz and Eric Fisher have proven to be good NFL starters but neither is elite. Mitch Morse enters his third year hoping he can make that elite jump. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif started on offense these past two seasons too. Guard Parker Ehinger also needs to build on the starting experience he gained in his first year.
Therefore, the Chiefs have a young offensive line as well. However, their group seems more developed than the Chargers or Broncos so far.
No. 1: Oakland Raiders
Obviously, the Oakland Raiders have the strongest offensive line in the AFC West. They have an argument for the best offensive line in the NFL.
Donald Penn and Rodney Hudson are two of the most reliable players at their positions. Kelechi Osemele hasn’t allowed a sack in so long. He and Gabe Jackson might be the nastiest guard duo in the league.
This group’s weakest link is the right tackle position. Oakland released Austin Howard which means veteran Marshall Newhouse and rookie David Sharpe will fight for that starting position. The Raiders should continue having an overwhelming offensive line as long as either Sharpe or Newhouse plays solid.
Oh yeah, the Silver and Black needs to figure out Penn’s contract. The veteran is holding out of camp for a raise. Oakland cannot have the NFL’s best offensive line without the consistency that Penn brings.
This offensive line group ranked 11 in Football Outsiders’ adjusted yards statistic and No. 1 in adjusted sack rate. They seem ready to repeat as the AFC West’s best offensive line in 2017.
The post 2017 Raiders Preview: AFC West Offensive Line Rankings appeared first on Cover32.
