Silver And Black Pride
Some thoughts on how the free-agent addition could impact Las Vegas’ approach to the draft
While veteran interior offensive lineman Cody Whitehair reportedly signed a cheap one-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, it is an interesting move since Whitehair has eight years of starting experience and the Raiders need a starting right guard. Also, the timing of the deal is noteworthy.
The Chicago Bears released the 31-year-old (who turns 32 in July) back in February, meaning Las Vegas had two months to sign him. However, the club opted to bring him in a little more than a week before the NFL Draft instead of waiting until after and seeing if the need for a starter in the trenches persists.
So, how can the addition of Whitehair impact the Raiders' draft strategy?
Don’t get it twisted, the former Bear isn’t good enough to completely remove selecting a starting right tackle like JC Latham, Taliese Fuaga or someone else completely off the table. But it does reduce the urgency of finding a starter at the position.
Right now, the Raiders could have a solid and well-experienced offensive line with Kolton Miller and Dylan Parham on the left side, Andre James at center, and Whitehair and Thayer Munford Jr. on the right. Those five combine for 305 career starts with Munford, who is heading into his third season as a pro, serving as the least-experienced lineman.
That’s not a bad situation for a rookie quarterback to step into.
The Raiders are widely expected to target a quarterback in the draft, it’s just a matter of who and when, and this move could be an indication that they’ll take one with the 13th overall pick.
While some hope that the Silver and Black spend its first selection on a right tackle and either trade back into the first round or wait until the second to draft either Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix, that’s a big gamble. Another team could swoop in and take either of those two off the board, leaving Las Vegas empty-handed at the most important position on the field.
But signing Whitehair gives the team a decent offensive line and makes it easier to justify using the top pick on a quarterback since the team’s need in the trenches is lessened. Especially since the concern of a rookie playing behind a bad line is eased as well.
Also, even if the Raiders don’t target a signal-caller in round one, the draft board is more open after Monday’s signing.
There is a chance that the offensive line prospects Tom Telesco likes are gone by the time the teens come up on draft night, and Telesco pivots toward addressing another need like cornerback. Again, in that situation, the Raiders still have a serviceable line and get to improve another position group.
Ultimately, signing the veteran guard keeps the Silver and Black from potentially pigeonholing themselves into drafting a right tackle in the first round.
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