Oakland Raiders’ rebuild is almost complete

Kelechi Osemele

Kelechi Osemele started his career as the right tackle on the 2012 Super Bowl winner as a rookie. Then he would kick inside to guard for the next 2 3/4 seasons until having to play left tackle in 2015. And in the last quarter of that season, the college left tackle played well at his old position.

That would make him the hottest commodity in the NFL among the 2016 free agent offensive lineman. And now, he is ready to sign a 5-year, $60 million deal to play for the Raiders on Thursday. Osemele gave up just one sack in his time at guard and left tackle all season last year, showing he’s a solid pass protector.

And at age 26, he is considered the most physical and versatile offensive linemen in free agency. Being an absolute mauler in the run game, his physicality at left tackle makes the Raiders more physical and able to run the ball. That’s an upgrade over 2015 left tackle Donald Penn, who’s a solid pass protector but not so physical a run-blocker.

The Raiders have options here because if Penn re-signs with the Raiders, Osemele could play guard. But for $12 million per year and Penn still unsigned, most following the situation see him playing left tackle in 2016. But regardless, the Raiders just got more physical and will be able to run the ball better with Osemele in the fold.

Next: Sean Smith