With how bad the Raiders’ offensive line was last season at every position but left tackle, it can be easy to overlook the center position. Mainly because right tackle is so crucial to pass protection and there are two guard spots. But make no mistake, the need at the position is considerable.
Andre James was a real question mark as an unproven player being handed the starting job last season after the team traded away Rodney Hudson. And the answer wasn’t a resounding yes. It was more of a ‘told ya so’ from those who weren’t confident in the move, as were the two guys to his right.
But unlike Alex Leatherwood who was selected at 17 overall in last year’s draft, it would be much easier to move on from James should they find an upgrade.
Two other factors that make center a good position to target is you can often find good ones on day two and three and they can often play guard as well, so you can address two positions at once. Those factors are pretty valuable to a team with four picks in the third round and after.
Here are some centers that could come in and immediately compete for the job.
