The Las Vegas Raiders tried hard to improve their offensive line in the draft, using two of their first three picks on offensive linemen. But that’s not stopping them from adding more depth.
As per a May 6 X post from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Raiders are signing ex- New Orleans Saints offensive lineman. Andrus Peat.
Peat was one of the top offensive linemen in the NFL from 2018 to 2020 and was selected to the Pro Bowl for three consecutive years. He hasn’t been able to keep up that level of play consistently, which led to the Saints using him at multiple positions on the offensive line.
He’s mainly played guard throughout his career but has also played some left and right tackle. At 6-foot-7, he's better suited to play tackle and that may be where the Raiders plan to use him. Dylan Parham is likely the starting left guard while second-round pick Jackson Powers-Johnson will likely start on the right side.
At worst, Peat provides the Raiders with an experienced offensive lineman who has started in 102 games over his career. His versatility should be a welcome addition to Las Vegas. Even if Peat doesn’t start in 2024, he should see the field plenty.
Who Will Start at Right Tackle?
It’s unclear how the Raiders plan to use Peat this season. If they want him to play tackle, it seems the team will have a three-way competition between Thayer Munford, rookie third-round pick Delmar Glaze, and Peat.
Munford is the likely favorite to earn the nod. He’s started in 14 games for the Raiders over the last two seasons and should only improve in his third year. The team seems to favor Munford and the right tackle job is his to lose.
However, the Raiders used a third-round pick on Glaze for a reason. He’s a bit inexperienced and could make more sense as a swing tackle for a year or two, but if he’s ahead of schedule, the Raiders will consider giving him the starting nod. Peat makes the most sense as a backup who can fill in multiple spots if there are injuries. The team didn’t have consistency at right tackle last season and has to hope they can find a more permanent solution this season.
Jackson Powers-Johnson Ready to Play Anywhere
Arguably the best pick the Raiders made in the 2024 NFL Draft was landing Powers-Johnson in the second round. He could’ve easily been a first-round pick and although he played center in college, the team is likely to use him at guard.
He doesn’t mind. He made it clear that he’ll play wherever the team needs him to.
“Anywhere that the Raiders want me to play, I’m going to play. If they want me to throw the ball, I’ll throw the ball,” Powers-Johson said during an April 26 conference call. “But I really think me playing center is seamless and it’s a testament to all coaches I had at Oregon and in high school. … I’ve worked so hard, but it’s not really about me. It’s about all the people who helped get me here.
“The dream has been fulfilled, but now there’s new dreams to get.”
