The Off. Line - Complaints, Fixes, Questions, Draft

[erickench]

Mike Tice once said while coaching for the Raiders: “If you look at the offense like a fancy car, the offensive line is the engine. Even though we might have nice spinners and nice rims and tinted windows and some neat paint job, it doesn’t mean crap without the engine. If the engine’s not working, the car might look like a pretty nice car, but it’s a piece of crap.” And he was 100% right. I wish we had him back. Changes must be made on the O-line. Charles Grant is a very athletic lineman. We should give him some reps at right tackle. Bring back Powers-Johnson as the starter at center. Parham has got to go. Maybe we should consider moving Meredith back to guard. He did so well there last year.

[chucker]

Glaze has stunk. Maybe he should be a guard. Maybe he should have a real oline coach.

I think the team should consider giving Tyler Linderbaum the bag in FA. I don't see the injury prone JPJ as the answer at center partly because of a desire for continuity at the position and partly because I think he's a guy who just just focus on moving the guy in front of him.

Regardless of his lack of seasoning, I want Grant to get some playing time. If we get a QB maimed as a result...... oh well.

[erickench]

And how often has JPJ been injured? We need some real maulers in the middle of that O-line. Imagine Rogers, JPJ, and Mafi playing side-by-side in 2026.

[chucker]

And how often has JPJ been injured? We need some real maulers in the middle of that O-line. Imagine Rogers, JPJ, and Mafi playing side-by-side in 2026.

Here's a discussion of why JPJ fell in the draft:

There were reports that some teams were concerned about Powers-Johnson’s medical reports coming of college according to The Athletic. He was forced to withdraw from the Senior Bowl this year because of a hamstring injury after the second day of practice. He had hip and groin injuries last season and has reportedly dealt with concussions.

Then he missed most of the offseason in his rookie year due to injury.
He had another concussion this season.
Now he's on IR with a knee.

I still like him because he's a mauler and has the kind of attitude I like on the oline. I just don't like him as a center partly because of the challenges of replacing an injured center.

[RickRyb]

It would be nice, besides a new HC, The Raiders draft a QB early and also draft (or get) their franchise center.

[erickench]

I still like him because he's a mauler and has the kind of attitude I like on the oline. I just don't like him as a center partly because of the challenges of replacing an injured center.

Putnam is still young and very smart at calling the signals. He is still learning the nuances of playing in the NFL. As time goes by he will improve just like Mafi improved since his rookie season. He can be the backup center.

[chucker]

I think we have plenty of potential backup centers. I want a starter who is likely to play every game and play it well and elevate the play of the guys around him. That doesn’t sound like a rookie or a guy with a fairly extensive injury history.

[erickench]

Then what do you suggest we do with JPJ then? Leave him at guard when we got others who can play the position? BE SENSIBLE!!!

[chucker]

Then what do you suggest we do with JPJ then? Leave him at guard when we got others who can play the position? BE SENSIBLE!!!

Yes. He has the potential to be a top flight guard. Rogers looks good but it's a small sample size. Who else might we have at guard who you really want to count on? Mafi? Glaze after a position switch? Parham is a FA, and has never been very good. Meredith was popular with PFF at guard last year but he's never been a people mover. I think if you have JPJ and Rogers at guard then you're still not done at guard because you need depth in case of injury and also in case a guy just doesn't progress as you'd like.

So I'd look to add a proven center and solidify an important spot on the Oline. Keep Miller at LT. If we don't get a look at Grant this year then we'd better be adding competition at RT too, because right now it looks like Glaze isn't the guy.

All just my opinion. I think you can improve the oline in an offseason, but I also think it's a mistake to have 5 starters and no plan B players.

[KillerRaider30]

And how often has JPJ been injured? We need some real maulers in the middle of that O-line. Imagine Rogers, JPJ, and Mafi playing side-by-side in 2026.

I agree strongly. The line has been getting gutted inside. Against modern day elete or close to elite DTs, teams need to move OTs to Gaurd.

[rcraider]

Maybe the Samoan/Aussie International Player Pathway kid Laki Tasi will step up. Would be nice if they activated him and gave him a few snaps. Kid is massive

[LayneStaley]

I think we have plenty of potential backup centers. I want a starter who is likely to play every game and play it well and elevate the play of the guys around him. That doesn’t sound like a rookie or a guy with a fairly extensive injury history.

Tyler Linderbaum is a FA.

[chucker]

Tyler Linderbaum is a FA.

Yep...... I already mentioned him as a major FA target.

[LayneStaley]

Yep...... I already mentioned him as a major FA target.

He should be our number 1 target, especially if we are picking 1st.

[Dr Death]

Here's a discussion of why JPJ fell in the draft:

Then he missed most of the offseason in his rookie year due to injury.
He had another concussion this season.
Now he's on IR with a knee.

I still like him because he's a mauler and has the kind of attitude I like on the oline. I just don't like him as a center partly because of the challenges of replacing an injured center.

We need to trade him. I like him for all the reasons you listed, but he will never be a reliable starter.

[chucker]

We need to trade him. I like him for all the reasons you listed, but he will never be a reliable starter.

I think your best move is to keep him on his cheap rookie deal. I think he would fetch minimal trade value because of his injury issues.