Two Raiders offensive lineman with a real shot at new NFL Protector of the Year Award

USA Today

26-05-2025

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.