Guards can tend to be underrated in the NFL. They don’t get the enormous contracts that offensive tackles can pull in and rarely are taken at the top of the NFL draft. In this year’s draft, for instance, four offensive tackles were selected before the first guard was taken.
But exceptional guards can be difference-makers and set the tone of a team’s offensive line play, and some see Kelechi Osemele as that kind of player for the Raiders.
This week, in fact, Max Meyer of NFL.com noted that the signing of Osemele – who is expected to play left guard this season, with young star Gabe Jackson moving to the right side – could be the most significant of a number of moves made by Oakland this offseason.
Linebacker Bruce Irvin, safety Reggie Nelson and cornerback Sean Smith were all high-profile free-agent additions by general manager Reggie McKenzie this offseason, but it’s Osemele – who is a physical, intimidating presence on the line – who could prove to be the most valuable, says Meyer. Osemele, with Donald Penn retained at left tackle and Rodney Hudson at center, gives Oakland potentially one of the AFC’s best offensive lines.
“The Raiders have plenty of shiny toys to work with on offense this season, which is a big reason why they’re a sexy pick to end their postseason drought,” he wrote. “But it’s the unit up front that will determine if Oakland has a puncher’s chance of winning the AFC West.”
Osemele says he brings an aggressive attitude to the Raiders – an attitude that could help Oakland challenge Denver, Kansas City and San Diego in their division.
“I’m trying to knock you out,” Osemele told Eddie Paskal of Raiders.com. “They call me K.O. for a reason. They’ve been calling me that for a while, so that really defines who I am as a man. I’m going to look you in the eye and I’m going to take you down.”
Raiders
Osemele was rated as the top offensive lineman available in free agency by Pro Football Focus, the analytic website.
“What stands out with Osemele is his physical play, his mean streak and his versatility,” wrote Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com, noting that Osemele can also play tackle. PFF ranked him among the top 10 guards in the NFL the past two seasons.
The Raiders offense showed in 2015 it could be dynamic, both passing and running, but the offensive line faltered a bit late in the season. With Osemele added, the running game could be much better in 2016.
“I’m a mauler, that’s what I do,” said Osemele. “I’m a road grader. I like to run people over and leave them there flat, so I’m glad to be on a team that is headed in that direction.”
