Las Vegas Raiders are making it clear which starting lineup on the offensive line they like the most early on
The Las Vegas Raiders have a ton of different combinations they can use on the offensive line, as the position battles have already begun.
One of the biggest storylines to watch for the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason is the offensive line position battles, which will unfold from OTAs to mandatory minicamp and into training camp.
Amid these ongoing competitions, the left and right guard positions seem to be up for grabs. The right tackle position may also be contested, though head coach Klint Kubiak has expressed confidence there. For the guard spots, one seems to be Jackson Powers-Johnson’s to lose—though his durability is a concern—while the other is open to Spencer Burford, Caleb Rogers, Jordan Meredith, and Trey Zuhn. Notably, Meredith’s impressive 2024 season at OG makes him a contender.
Given these options, many people are penciling in Rogers or Zuhn as likely starters, given their potential. However, Burford has not received much consideration, even though one starting unit included him in practice last week. According to Sam Warren of The Athletic, Burford took reps with last season’s starting group alongside center Tyler Linderbaum. This week, he did the same with the starting unit.
Are we starting to see that the Raiders’ favorite starting unit this early on in the offseason is with Burford? The Raiders signed former San Francisco 49ers offensive guard Spencer Burford, who has started 38 games. Burford could provide valuable depth for the Raiders, who have dealt with injuries on the offensive line. With 2,165 snaps, he also appears capable as a starter. Last season, Burford had 32 blown blocks per Sports Info Solutions. At 25, Burford brings experience with Kubiak’s system, a low-cost one-year deal, and competition to a weak position group.
Then there is the other side of things with this starting unit, the side that’s not as big.
DJ Glaze continues to be the starting right tackle so far
Coming into this offseason, many thought that Charles Grant, the second-year offensive tackle, would get the starting job over Glaze. And that’s not a terrible idea, given how bad Glaze played last season. However, he is the stability that Kubiak mentioned at right tackle.
And, Glaze has been with the starting unit every single time so far. That doesn’t mean that Glaze will be the starter. But he’s still holding that title.