Welcome to this Las Vegas Raiders training camp segment! We will dive into the positions and dive into questions heading into training camp. It’s truly crazy that football is right around the corner and feels like yesterday that the season ended. Today we will shift to the trenches and talk lineman on both sides of the ball!

Defensive Line

Who Can Step Up in Christian Wilkins’ Absence?

When the Raiders signed Christian Wilkins out of free agency, it was the best present left under the Christmas tree. The Raiders finally were able to get a presence on the interior lineman front and it was able to take pressure off of star defensive end Maxx Crosby. However, that has not been the case.

Wilkins has not been healthy for the Raiders at all. He played just five games last season and had surgery on his foot. Also, he has had a setback with his rehab and he isn’t ready to participate in practice yet it remains to be seen if he will be able to play this season to start. That leaves a void in the middle of the defensive line, which begs the question; who will emerge to take his place?

The obvious is Tyree Wilson, who had a better season last year than his rookie year. He hasn’t blossomed into this stellar pass rusher, but can thrive as a run stuffer. He did manage to have more sacks this year than last year and more tackles for loss. Progress right? This makes more sense due to the fact that the Raiders are getting Malcolm Koonce back, who should give the Raiders another legitimate edge rusher. It pushes Wilson back to the middle.

If not Wilson, the staff could be turning towards the players they took this past draft. JJ Pegues and Tonka Hemingway could be guys that come in and play a pivotal role on the defensive front. They are stout guys built like tanks and could play a huge role as depth on the front lines. The Raiders do need all that type of help, because teams are going to key in on Crosby and deservedly so.

Can this Line Take be Next Steps?

This offensive line is relatively young. Kolton Miller has been the stable veteran on the line and he is still currently seeking a new deal, as the guaranteed money doesn’t exist now. He comes to work, does his job well, and goes about his business.

Parham is going into his fourth season and Powers-Johnson is in year two. Alex Cappa brings some stability in his eighth season and the biggest question (which dates back to even the Derek Carr Days) is the right tackle position. But as a cohesive unit, the Raiders offensive line struggles in the run game. Run blocking has not been their strong suit and they’ll want to get better and create holes for Ashton Jeanty to run through.

Also, they struggled against the blitz. 46.6% pressure rate is rough, but they did better when teams rushed just four guys.

Lots of questions, lots of changes, better results (hopefully).