Oakland Raiders: How Kelechi Osemele Upgrades Offensive Line
The first domino falls into place for the Oakland Raiders in free agency as the team agreed in principle with former Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele, per NFL Network’s Conor Orr.
In corroboration with Conor Orr’s report, NFL Network’s Rand Getlin reports the Oakland Raiders agreed in principle terms with offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele. Barring a misstep, the deal becomes official on Wednesday:
When the market opens tomorrow, Kelechi Osemele will become the newest member of the #Raiders. The two sides have an agreement in principle.
— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) March 8, 2016
The impending acquisition illustrates the Raiders as a real contender in free agency and a desirable destination.
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Raiders fans find joy in this early agreement, but they question exactly where the versatile offensive lineman fits in the trenches:
According to Pro Football Focus, Osemele ranked No. 3 among all offensive linemen in run blocking, which paves his way to the right guard position within the Raiders offensive line. He played two seasons at left guard, and though it’s a different spot, right guard seems like his first tryout.
Let’s say he experiences difficulties at right guard. Offensive line coach Mike Tice will likely explore a shift over to right tackle, a position Osemele played as a rookie for 16 games. If Donald Penn signs elsewhere, the Raiders may plug Osemele into left tackle considering his lucrative salary.
As Getlin reports via Twitter, the deal would peak the market as an offensive guard:
Osemele's market was incredibly hot. When the deal is announced, it'll blow the top off of the OG market. Huge get for the #Raiders.
— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) March 8, 2016
Looking at this in a macro sense, the Raiders secured an upgrade whether Osemele plays right guard, right tackle or even fills a temporary space on the blindside. His ability to hold blocks for ball-carriers should amount to longer gains for running backs Latavius Murray and whoever the team signs to complement him in the backfield.
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Despite the overall improvement, there’s still a mystery at left tackle. Will we hear about Penn re-signing in the next few days?
If Penn re-signs, expect Osemele to play right guard but shuffle to other positions during training camp. If Penn walks away, the versatile offensive lineman will get a taste of all three potential spots on the offensive line and play out the season where he excels most throughout the offseason program.
It’s an early win-win situation for the Raiders in free agency.
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