In the NFL, it’s a mistake to assume anything. Things change so fast as there is always so much competition every year. So which established starter could be in a fight to save his job during camp?
In a recent article by Paul Gutierrez of ESPN, he took a look at a positional battle that is worth watching during training camp. His pick was the right tackle job that was won by Jermaine Eluemunor last season. But he believes that Eluemunor isn’t a lock to win that job again this year:
Las Vegas brought everyone back on the line, including Brandon Parker, who was slotted to start at right tackle last season before suffering a season-ending triceps injury in the preseason opener.
Plus, Thayer Munford Jr., who started two games at right tackle as a rookie, returns, as does Jermaine Eluemunor — who started the other 15 games there, plus one game at right guard and another at left tackle.
If Eluemunor is seen as more valuable as a swing lineman, then undrafted rookie Dalton Wagner might also get a look, as will free agent signee Justin Murray and returner Justin Herron.
Because Eluemunor does have a lot of position flexibility, there is a chance that he would be more valuable as a swing tackle or as their starting right guard. But that is only true if they can find a viable starter at right tackle.
Parker has the most experience, but he has had trouble staying healthy and his play hasn’t been very consistent. Maybe the answer is Munford, who played a lot as a seventh-round pick. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him make a big leap in Year 2.
However, Eluemunor has to be the favorite to win the job entering camp. He played extremely well in the final two months of the season and was a big reason why the Raiders were so efficient running the ball. It’s possible that he could lose his job in camp, but someone else would really need to play well to take it.
