Oakland Raiders With Big Statistical Years Coming
Offensive Line
I have to give some credit to the offensive line as a unit because one cannot play well without the other on the offensive line. But I can start off with Kelechi Osemele, the star guard the Raiders brought over in free agency because he will make the unit as a whole much better.
The Raiders offensive line was ranked No. 6. according to Pro Football Focus last year as they were No. 2 in pass-blocking and No. 16 in run-blocking. Left tackle Donald Penn and right tackle Austin Howard were among the best at their positions in 2015.
Center Rodney Hudson is back healthy after playing with injuries last year. And guard Gabe Jackson, a 2014 third-round steal and strength on the offensive line, will be back. Osemele, is a road-grader in the run game and a good pass blocker so he’ll improve the Raiders in both areas.
Jackson will move to the right side as J’Marcus Webb, the previous weak link, is no longer on the team. Pro Football Focus has the Raiders’ offensive line ranked No. 2 going into 2016. So while they open holes for the running game, they’ll be in the Top-2 unit in the NFL in sacks allowed.
Next: Latavius Murray