
Two Raiders offensive lineman with a real shot at new NFL Protector of the Year Award
It's a pretty widely accepted concept that a football team's offense is only as good as the offensive line. Quarterbacks talk about how without time to throw, they can't scan the field and the wide receivers can't get open. And running backs credit linemen for opening holes for them while the rest of us give credit and lay blame for the whether they have room to run.
Despite these commonly held beliefs, offensive linemen are never considered for awards like offensive player of the year or MVP and there has never been an individual award that recognized the work the offensive line.
Until now.
The NFL unveiled the Protector of the Year Award last week. Giving a few Raiders offensive linemen something to strive for.
For the past few years, left tackle Kolton Miller has been the Raiders top offensive lineman. So it would seem he would have the best shot at the award. Though, obviously, it would require him to have his best season.
Despite being a full time starter since his rookie season and a solid left tackle fo the Raiders the past six years, he has never made the Pro Bowl. And you'd have to figure those who are already established as being the best at their position would have the inside track on being recognized for their efforts. Mainly because it isn't like there are solid stats that come into play for linemen the same way there are for most other positions.
Jackson Powers-Johnson would figure to have a decent shot being that he was the top drafted center in last year's draft and is entering his first season as the full time starter at the position. Should he excel right away, he could earn recognition.
None of the other offensive line spots for the Raiders have a sure starter. That isn't to say there isn't one on the team, but just who will start where has yet to be decided.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Nathaniel Hackett returns to Packers as defensive analyst
Who says you can't go home? Former Broncos head coach and Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett is now back on staff with the Packers, head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed in his Thursday press conference. Hackett will serve as a defensive analyst for the club, helping give coordinator Jeff Hafley a fresh perspective. It's a similar role to what Robert Saleh played for the offense when he joined the staff last year after being fired as Jets head coach. Luke Getsy also served as a defensive analyst last year after he'd been fired from his role as Raiders offensive coordinator. Getsy is now still on staff as a senior assistant. "He's a guy I really respect and we've had a lot of great times together," LaFleur said Thursday, via Zach Kruse of USA Today. 'It's a fresh perspective. It gives you a little different lens to see it through, talk it through," LaFleur added. "He's sitting in with our defensive staff. He's been in our linebacker room going through the film, giving them a good offensive perspective.' Hackett was the Packers' offensive coordinator under LaFleur from 2019-2021. He was then hired as Broncos head coach in 2022 and was fired after a 51-14 loss to the Rams on Christmas Day with two games remaining in the season. He then served as Jets offensive coordinator in 2023, reuniting with Aaron Rodgers. He lost play-calling duties after Saleh was fired as Jets head coach midway through the 2024 season.
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Bills RB James Cook makes stern announcement on contract negotiations
The Buffalo Bills and star running back James Cook have been at odds all offseason. Buffalo gave extensions to several star players, including Greg Rousseau, Christian Benford, Khalil Shakir, Terrel Bernard, and Josh Allen, but not to their two-time Pro Bowl running back. Despite not getting the deal he wanted, Cook still showed up to both mandatory mini-camp and training camp, but has remained loyal to himself when it comes to getting a deal done. 'I'm never going to give up," Cook said via Dan Fetes. "I deserve what I want.' Cook led the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 16 in 2024, and had 21 total scores across the regular season and the playoffs. He is the best skill position player the Bills have, and they should do what it takes to make sure he's taken care of. While the star running back reportedly wants $15 million per year, it's a price worth paying, as he is arguably the key cog in Buffalo's offense outside of Allen. Follow The Sporting News on WhatsAppBills edge rusher punches teammate during training camp practice Bills WR Keon Coleman gets off to concerning start at training camp Watch: Buffalo Bills rookie cornerback nearly picks off Josh Allen Bills head coach Sean McDermott shares interesting opinion on Hard Knocks Bills head coach Sean McDermott gives positive update on James Cook contract dispute
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Takeaways and observations from Day 2 of Eagles training camp practices
Philadelphia returned to the practice field on Thursday and completed a spirited and lively 88-minute session that saw Jalen Carter rest on back-to-back days with a shoulder injury. Jihaad Campbell participated in his second straight limited practice, while Vic Fangio's defense shuffled guys in and out, and as competition gets underway at several key spots. With the second session now complete, we're looking at takeaways and observations from Day 2 of Philadelphia Eagles training camp at the NovaCare Complex. Jalen Hurts was extremely sharp Hurts was 17-19 passing on the day, according to Eliot Shorr-Parks, and it continues the trend of the Eagles' star quarterback developing into an elite and efficient thrower of the football. Competition at cornerback continues The Eagles usually hold starters out of preseason games. Still, with just one joint practice schedule, Philadelphia could utilize those contests to pick a winner at the cornerback spot opposite Quinyon Mitchell. For the second straight day, Kelee Ringo and Adoree' Jackson are getting first-team reps with Cooper DeJean mixing in. Eagles paid tribute to the Late Ozzy Osbourne. Tributes are pouring in from music legends and celebrities after the death of Ozzy Osbourne, the rock and heavy metal icon, at the age of 76. The Eagles did their part, playing Osbourne's music during the Second Day of training camp practice. Eagles injury report Jalen Carter and Kenyon Green missed their second straight practice to open up training camp. For Carter, it's about being healthy for the season opener. Green is battling for a roster spot and can't afford to get left behind. Quinyon Mitchell prepared to travel? We previously highlighted Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell potentially beginning to travel with the opposing team's best wide receiver after stating he's been getting his feet wet at both outside cornerback positions. That transformation has already started through the first two days of practice, with Mitchell getting snaps at both outside cornerback spots. This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Takeaways from Day 2 of Eagles' training camp practice