Oakland Raiders: Interior offensive linemen here to stay in 2019?

Oakland Raiders general manager Mike Mayock seems to believe in building a roster inside out, starting with a talented offensive line.

Oakland Raiders offensive linemen Kelechi Osemele, Rodney Hudson and Gabe Jackson could remain together for a fourth consecutive campaign. The trio had its best season during the 2016 term as the strength of the front line, but the Silver and Black hasn’t dominated in the trenches in that fashion since its 12-4 campaign.

However, general manager Mike Mayock spoke highly about the interior of the Raiders offensive line, per Bay Area News Group reporter Matt Schneidman:

"“He’s a big fan of left guard Kelechi Osemele, center Rodney Hudson and right guard Gabe Jackson,” Schneidman wrote. “He’s a big believer in building from the inside out, and thinks the Raiders have the players on their interior offensive line to do that.”"

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On the surface, the Raiders offensive line didn’t perform at a high level in pass protection. Quarterback Derek Carr took 51 sacks—by far the most in his career. Jackson allowed five of those sacks and 23 total pressures, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). If you take a deep dive into the rushing numbers, it’s not as disappointing.

According to Football Outsiders, Raiders ball-carriers averaged 4.79 adjusted line yards when running behind the center and guard areas during the 2018 term, which lists fifth in the league. The trio on the interior can still move the pile and clear lanes for the running backs.

Keep in mind Oakland didn’t have Marshawn Lynch, their most physical running back, for 10 contests because of a groin injury. Doug Martin led the team in rushing with 723 yards and averaged 4.2 yards per carry just like Beast Mode in his six contests. Osemele also missed time with a knee injury that cost him five games. Jackson landed on injured reserve in December with a fractured elbow, but he also partially tore his pectoral muscle in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams.

Osemele, Hudson and Jackson carry huge cap numbers going into the 2019 term, per Over the Cap:

• Kelechi Osemele: $10.2 million
• Rodney Hudson: $10 million
• Gabe Jackson: $7 million

If the Raiders choose to release Osemele or Jackson, they would recoup all the cash listed above. Hudson still has $5.7 in dead money owed, but he’s the team’s most reliable offensive lineman in pass protection — allowing only five total pressures for the year, per Pro Football Focus. Though the group hasn’t been as dominant compared to the 2016 term, Mayock understands the offensive lines woes are primarily on the perimeter with two rookie offensive tackles.

According to Schneidman’s report, Mayock hopes to see notable improvements from Kolton Miller and Brandon Parker. They allowed a combined 26 sacks and 108 pressures, per Pro Football Focus. Miller battled a knee injury through the year, which is commendable, but if he’s beaten continuously on the edge, perhaps it’s best to sit him to protect Carr.

With the guard-center combination in Mayock’s good graces, we could see a stronger ground attack in 2019 if the offensive linemen and featured running backs stay healthy. Lynch is open to returning to the team, but he’s yet to make a final decision. Head coach Jon Gruden said “we’d love to have him back.”

Regardless of who’s running behind the Raiders offensive line, there’s a simple plan. Follow the three men in the middle; they will clear the pathway to freedom.