Ranking Raiders’ most unproven positions

We previously looked at the best Las Vegas Raiders’ positions heading into the 2021 NFL season.

Now, it’s time for the flip side. However, we’re not going to label these positions as the Raiders’ “worst.” Instead, we’re going with “unproven” because these units may end up performing well in 2021. We just don’t know exactly what to expect ... as Aaron Rodgers would say, it’s a “beautiful mystery.”

Here we go:

Offensive line:
It’s no surprise this is the biggest unknown position on the Las Vegas roster. There was great upheaval on the line as the Raiders traded center Rodney Hudson, right tackle Trent Brown, and right guard Gabe Jackson. The offensive line will look very different as center Andre James and right tackle Alex Leatherwood have one combined NFL start between them.

However, the Raiders are confident that this new look group will flourish. It’s one of the biggest questions of the team going into the season.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Secondary:
I’m grouping the cornerbacks and safeties here, because there are so many questions at both positions. Aside from new cornerback Casey Hayward, this is a young secondary. If cornerback Damon Arnette and safety Johnathan Abram can both come into their own, there will be less questions about this group.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Linebackers:
The Raiders have a lot of money tied into 2020 free agent additions, linebackers Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski. Littleton was a major disappointment last year and Kwiatkoski didn’t make a ton of plays, although he was decent. The Raiders need to get more bang for their buck from these two players in 2021.