{"id":284926,"date":"2025-08-13T13:53:14","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T13:53:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/284926\/"},"modified":"2025-08-13T13:53:14","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T13:53:14","slug":"where-does-raiders-o-line-rank","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/284926\/","title":{"rendered":"Where Does Raiders O-Line Rank?"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the 2025 season approaches, let\u2019s examine how the teams in the AFC West compare to one another. We will evaluate each position and rank the four teams based on their overall strength in that area. While the performance of starters is significant, depth also plays a crucial role. Keep in mind, these are just preseason rankings and are subject to change throughout the year. Previously, we looked at off-ball linebackers<\/a>. Today, we are concluding our examination of the offensive linemen.<\/p>\n

4. The Kansas City Chiefs<\/p>\n

Starters:\u00a0Josh Simmons\/Jaylon Moore, Kingsley Suamataia, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Jawaan Taylor<\/p>\n

Backups: Wanya Morris, Mike Caliendo, Hunter Nourzad, C.J. Hanson, Chukwuebuka Godrick, Ethan Driskell, Joey Lombard, Dalton Cooper, Esa Pole<\/p>\n

This group is arguably the main reason the Chiefs could not achieve their three-peat bid in the most recent Super Bowl. Since then Kansas City has tried to make several upgrades. Most importantly, they moved on from Joe Thuney at left tackle.<\/p>\n

However, their replacements have several question marks<\/a>. After signing former 49ers backup Jaylon Moore to a significant contract, the Chiefs may already be sidelining him in favor of rookie first-round pick Josh Simmons<\/a>. The concern is that Simmons is still recovering from a serious knee injury. Aside from Humphrey at center, the Chiefs might be fortunate to field an average offensive line.<\/p>\n

3. The Las Vegas Raiders<\/p>\n

Starters:\u00a0Kolton Miller; Dylan Parham; Delmar Glaze; Alex Cappa\/Jackson Powers-Johnson\/Jordan Meredith<\/p>\n

Backups: Thayer Munford Jr., Jarrod Hufford, Will Putnam, Caleb Rogers, Charles Grant, Dalton Wagner, Gottlieb Ayedze, Laki Tasi, Parker Clements, Antonio Mafi<\/p>\n

Some may call this ranking an overreaction to this unit\u2019s struggles in their preseason debut<\/a>. The ranking reflects the challenge of understanding how a unit expected to perform well can exceed those expectations. Left tackle Kolton Miller appears to have plateaued as a borderline top-ten tackle in the league.<\/p>\n

Additionally, Parham and Glaze serve as solid starters at left guard and right tackle, respectively. The standout of this unit is likely to be JPJ as he enters his second year. However, this situation could change if JPJ remains in the unusual position battle<\/a> with Cappa and Meredith.<\/p>\n

2. The Los Angeles Chargers<\/p>\n

Starters: Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Mekhi Becton, Trey Pipkins III<\/p>\n

Backups: Branson Taylor, Andre James, Jaree Salyer, Corey Stewart, Karsen Barnhart, Josh Kaltenberger, Nash Jones, Ryan Nelson<\/p>\n

If not for Slater\u2019s injury<\/a>, the Chargers would likely hold the top spot on this list. His absence presents a major shakeup for the Bolts. After a strong rookie campaign at right tackle, Joe Alt now has to move over to the left side of the line in year two. That should not hurt him too much, but the bigger concern is that this vaults Trey Pipkins back into the starting lineup at right tackle. He immediately becomes the biggest liability of this unit. Looking at the interior, the combination of Johnson, Bozeman, and Becton is by far the best middle three in the division.<\/p>\n

1. The Denver Broncos<\/p>\n

Starters:\u00a0Garett Bolles; Ben Powers; Luke Wattenberg; Quinn Meinerz; Mike McGlinchey.<\/p>\n

Backups:\u00a0Matt Peart, Calvin Throckmorton, Alex Forsyth, Nick Gargiulo, Alex Palczewski, Xavier Truss, Clay Webb, Joe Michalski, Will Sherman, Frank Crum, Marques Cox<\/p>\n

With Slater out, Meinerz may currently be the best offensive lineman in the entire division. Similarly, one could argue that Bolles is the top left tackle in the division at this time. As for the rest of the group, Powers, Wattenberg, and McGlinchey can be considered average to above average.<\/p>\n

It is also important to note that this unit is unchanged from the group that took most of the snaps together last year<\/a>. That is enormous for a unit that is beginning to blossom into one of the best in the league.<\/p>\n

Related: What\u2019s Next For Roger Goodell After Jon Gruden\u2019s Legal Win?<\/a><\/p>\n

*Top Photo: Getty Images<\/p>\n

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