Raiders Offensive Guards: Key Players For 2023

What's up, football fans! Let's talk about the guys who are paving the way for our beloved Raiders offense – the offensive guards. These dudes are the unsung heroes, the bruisers in the trenches who make the magic happen for our running backs and give our quarterback that crucial extra second to find an open receiver. When we're talking about the Las Vegas Raiders offensive guards, we're really talking about the foundation of our entire offensive success. Without a solid interior offensive line, even the most talented skill players will struggle to shine. They're the ones battling nose tackles and defensive tackles head-on, absorbing huge hits, and creating lanes. It's a tough, dirty job, but somebody's gotta do it, right? And for the Raiders, the performance of these guards is going to be absolutely critical in the upcoming season. We need them to be stout in pass protection, shutting down interior blitzes and holding their ground against powerful defensive linemen. Just as importantly, we need them to be dominant in the run game, driving defenders off the ball and opening up those critical running lanes that keep opposing defenses guessing. The offensive line is a unit, a brotherhood, and every single player needs to be on the same page, communicating and working together seamlessly. The guards, being in the heart of the line, play a massive role in that cohesion. We're going to dive deep into who's expected to be stepping up, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and what it all means for the Raiders' offensive identity in 2023. Get ready, because we're about to break down the trenches!

The Importance of Interior Offensive Line Play

Alright guys, let's really emphasize why the interior offensive line, and specifically our Las Vegas Raiders offensive guards, are so darn important. Think about it – the quarterback is the brain of the operation, the running backs are the legs, and the receivers are the hands that catch the ball. But who are the muscles? It’s the offensive line, and the guards are right in the thick of it, the core muscles if you will. They're directly responsible for protecting the most valuable player on the field, the quarterback, from the most dangerous guys on the defense – the interior defensive linemen and blitzing linebackers. A strong interior pass rush can completely disrupt an offense, forcing hurried throws, sacks, and turnovers. Our guards need to be able to handle these powerful athletes, using their strength, technique, and quick feet to keep their quarterback upright. It's not just about stopping the rush; it's about creating time. That extra second or two can be the difference between a completion for a first down and an incompletion or, worse, an interception. Now, let's flip the script to the run game. The effectiveness of our rushing attack hinges almost entirely on the interior offensive line. Our guards are the ones who have to generate movement at the point of attack. They need to drive their opponents off the line of scrimmage, creating cutback lanes and downhill opportunities for our running backs. A dominant run game isn't just about gaining yards; it's about controlling the clock, wearing down the defense, and setting up play-action passes that can be absolute killers. When your interior offensive line is struggling, your run game falters, and your entire offense becomes predictable and one-dimensional. The synergy between the guards and the center is particularly crucial. They work in tandem on many blocking schemes, and if that communication breaks down, it can lead to huge holes in the protection or the run lanes. We saw glimpses of potential last season, but consistency has been the keyword, and that's what we're all looking for in 2023. The physicality and mental toughness required for these positions are immense. They're the first ones to feel the impact on almost every single play, and they have to get up and do it again, play after play. So, when we talk about the Raiders' success, we absolutely have to talk about the guys in the middle of that offensive line.

Key Players to Watch

When we're discussing the Las Vegas Raiders offensive guards for the upcoming season, a few names immediately jump to the forefront. The most prominent and arguably the most critical is Kolton Miller. Now, Miller is technically a left tackle, but his presence and performance are so foundational to the entire offensive line that he deserves mention as a cornerstone. His ability to anchor the blind side and provide elite pass protection allows the rest of the line to function with a bit more stability. However, when we focus strictly on the interior, the landscape gets a bit more fluid and exciting. We have Alex Leatherwood, a former first-round pick who has had a… challenging start to his NFL career. Leatherwood’s journey is one that fans are closely watching. The transition from college right tackle to NFL interior offensive line is notoriously difficult, and he’s been working through those growing pains. His physical tools are undeniable – he’s big, strong, and has the athleticism. The key for him will be consistency, technique refinement, and building that trust with his linemates. He has the potential to be a dominant force if he can put it all together, and the Raiders are certainly hoping he can find that form. Then there’s Dylan Parham, who emerged as a bright spot last season. Parham showed incredible grit and a willingness to compete from day one. He demonstrated good strength, a solid understanding of leverage, and an impressive motor. His ability to play multiple positions along the interior line is a huge asset for the team. Whether he's lining up at guard or center, he brings a level of reliability and tenacity that the Raiders desperately need. He was a revelation, providing stability where it was desperately needed. We also can't forget about other guys competing for spots and depth. Players like Netane Muti have shown flashes of power and athleticism, and they'll be looking to make their mark. The competition for starting roles and valuable backup positions will be fierce, and that’s a good thing for the team. Ultimately, the performance of these Las Vegas Raiders offensive guards, particularly Leatherwood and Parham, will be a massive storyline to follow. Can Leatherwood live up to his draft pedigree? Can Parham continue his ascent and solidify his place as a core piece of the line? These are the questions that will be answered on the field, and we’ll be here to watch every snap.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Let's break down the expected strengths and weaknesses of our Las Vegas Raiders offensive guards, because, let's be honest, nobody's perfect, and knowing these things helps us understand the team better. When we look at guys like Dylan Parham, his primary strengths are his tenacity, motor, and surprising strength at the point of attack. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and seems to genuinely enjoy the physical battle in the trenches. He showed remarkable improvement throughout his rookie year, demonstrating solid technique in both run blocking and pass protection. His ability to bend and get low is a significant advantage against powerful defensive tackles who often rely on bull rushes. His versatility, being able to play both guard and center, is also a massive strength for the team's flexibility and game-planning. However, even with his strengths, Parham might occasionally struggle with elite-level speed rushers coming around the edge (though that's less of a guard issue) or with complex blitz packages that require quick recognition and adjustment. His size, while sufficient, isn't overwhelmingly dominant, so he might sometimes be overpowered by truly massive defensive linemen if he doesn't get his leverage just right. On the other hand, Alex Leatherwood brings a different set of tools. His raw physical power and size are undeniable strengths. When he's engaged and playing with confidence, he can absolutely move people in the run game and stonewall defenders in pass protection. He has the athleticism to mirror rushers, which is crucial for a guard. The main weakness that has plagued him thus far is consistency and technique. He’s shown moments of brilliance, but also lapses in concentration and technique that lead to penalties or missed assignments. His footwork and hand placement are areas that require constant refinement. He needs to develop a more consistent anchor in pass protection and a more reliable drive-blocking technique. The mental aspect – processing plays quickly and understanding blocking schemes – also seems to be an area where he’s still developing. It’s a tough transition, and the pressure of being a former first-round pick certainly doesn’t help. For the rest of the group competing for depth, we often see raw athleticism mixed with inexperience. They might have the physical gifts but lack the refined technique and game sense that comes with more snaps. Their weakness is often reliability under pressure and understanding NFL-level blocking schemes. Overall, the strength of the Raiders' interior offensive line lies in its potential for power and tenacity, particularly with players like Parham. The key weakness remains consistency and the refinement of technique, especially for players like Leatherwood trying to re-establish themselves. It's a group that has a high ceiling if they can put it all together, but there are definitely areas that need continuous work.

Impact on the Running Game

Now, let's talk about how our Las Vegas Raiders offensive guards directly impact the running game. This is where the trenches truly come alive, guys! When the Raiders decide to run the ball, it’s the guards, alongside the center and tackles, who are tasked with creating the mayhem up front. Their primary job? Block, block, and block some more! But it's not just about sticking your helmet in someone's chest. It's about where and how you block. In the run game, our guards need to be aggressive, driving defenders backward off the line of scrimmage. They're creating vertical push, which is essential for establishing a strong inside running game. Think about those powerful, between-the-tackles runs that wear down a defense. That's the work of the interior offensive line, and our guards are right in the middle of it. They need to seal the edge on outside runs, preventing linebackers from spilling the play outside or making tackles for loss. They also play a huge role in creating cutback lanes. A well-executed block by a guard can open up a sudden lane for the running back to reverse field or find a softer spot in the defense. Dylan Parham's tenacity and strength have been crucial here. He plays low, gets good leverage, and consistently tries to finish his blocks, which is exactly what you want in a run-blocking guard. Alex Leatherwood, with his power, has the potential to be a dominant force in the run game. When he’s engaged and driving, he can move defensive linemen and create big holes. The running backs rely heavily on the guards to **