Raiders Task Tom Cable With Finding Right O-Line Combination

There’s no doubt the Las Vegas Raiders need to fix their defense. On the other hand, they also need to bolster an offensive line that was marred by injuries in 2020. They trust offensive line coach Tom Cable will get the unit over the hump and find the right combination in the process. 

Paul Gutierrez of ESPN recently wrote about the Raiders’ offensive line and how the group may look in 2021. He discusses the challenges Cable will face and breaks down a few potential lineups. He sees left tackle Kolton Miller and left guard Richie Incognito as surefire starters. Nevertheless, he’s less certain about the center, right guard, and right tackle position.

Gutierrez believes Andre James has the upper hand over veteran Nick Martin at center. He foresees Denzelle Good seizing the right guard job but thinks the Raiders could use an upgrade at right tackle, as incumbent Brandon Parker has underperformed over his three-year career. In fact, he suggests this Las Vegas team use the 17th overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft on an offensive tackle prospect such as Christian Darrisaw, Teven Jenkins, or Alijah Vera-Tucker.

Last year, Cable did as much as he could with the players he had. It looks like he will have a better hand in 2020. He’s responsible for turning Miller from a liability to a top 15 left tackle. If he can help James and a rookie right tackle reach that kind of growth, the Raiders’ offensive line should be in good shape in 2021.