Ja’Wuan James, Offensive Tackle
The Oakland Raiders should have one of the better offensive lines in the league. Center Rodney Hudson earned All-Pro votes in 2018 while guards Kelechi Osemele and Gabe Jackson have both impressed throughout their careers. Oakland also used a first round pick on offensive tackle Kolton Miller in the 2018 draft.
However, despite all that talent, the Raiders allowed 52 sacks this past season, tied for fifth highest in the NFL. It’s important to note that multiple members of the Raiders’ line battled injuries throughout the season.
Oakland’s line has shown potential in the past. In 2017 the unit allowed just 24 sacks, tied for third lowest in the NFL. The team still has the same three interior lineman as that season and added a player with upside in Miller. If the team added one more tackle, as well as perhaps ousting offensive line coach Tom Cable, they could return to their 2017 form in 2019.
That one tackle could be former Dolphins’ lineman Ja’Wuan James.
James could end up being the most coveted player on this list. In a weak market for offensive tackles, the 27-year old could be in line for a big pay day. However, he has yet to make it to a Pro Bowl and is far from a household name such as a Le’Veon Bell, and therefore falls into the underrated category.
James was somewhat of a late bloomer in his career. But has come into his own as of late. Over his five years, he has started 62 games and allowed just 21 sacks. In 2018 he allowed just 26 overall QB pressures, the lowest of his career.
Pro Football Focus gave James an above average 70.7 grade for his 2018 season with high marks in both his run and pass blocking. The site also called James one of the most notable offensive free agents writing:
James is going to be an intriguing free agent option for two big reasons. 1. Tackles are coveted heavily in free agency. 2. He’s a former first-rounder with an upward trajectory to his career. James allowed all of 26 pressures this past season, the lowest total of his career. At not even 27 years old yet, James is in line for a big deal.
The term, “big deal” might be a bit scary, but with cap space to spend, taking a chance on a young James could be much more beneficial to this Raiders team than an aging O-Lineman.
An offensive line of LT Kolton Miller, LG Kelechi Osemele, C Rodney Hudson, RG Gabe Jackson and RT Ja’Waun James can be one of the most potent and underrated in the league.
As the Oakland Raiders look for offensive line help, they seem more likely to turn to the FA market. In a weak class, James stands out and could be a big help in keeping Derek Carr upright and improving the offense all together.
