Why Las Vegas Raiders think Thayer Munford is a better fit at left tackle
Why Las Vegas Raiders think Thayer Munford is a better fit at left tackle
The Las Vegas Raiders are banking on third-year offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr. to take the next step this season. With the departure of Jermaine Eluemunor in free agency, Munford Jr. is expected to step in as the full-time starter at right tackle.
In 10 starts last season — six at right tackle and four at left tackle — the former Buckeye surrendered four sacks and 28 QB pressures and scored an 80.4 run-blocking grade.
Munford Jr. was Las Vegas' top depth offensive lineman in 2023, as he often filled in for the injured Eluemunor and Kolton Miller at both tackle positions. Though he displayed his ability to play both left and right tackle last season, offensive line coach James Cregg believes Munford Jr. fits better on the left side.
The 24-year-old played 81% of his collegiate snaps at left tackle in his five-year career at Ohio State. Here is what Cregg had to say about Munford's performance in 2023, why he's a better fit at left tackle, and his development this spring:
"Especially watching the latter part of last year, he really jumped out at me a lot, and he’s been a good fit over there," Cregg said. "His athleticism, he’s untapped. He’s still learning. He’s a raw football player. He’s still developing in my opinion. He’s getting better every practice. He’s getting more comfortable over there, but I think he’s – kind of like talking about Dylan [Parham] – he’s natural on the left, like you put him on the left he can totally do it. That’s what he did in college, he played both sides. He played more left than right, but he can go both directions. You saw it last year he can go step in for Kolton [Miller] when he needed to, and he’s been a pleasant surprise over there at right. He’s getting better too, so I’ve been really fired up about him."
Munford Jr. will have a crucial role on Las Vegas' offensive line in 2024. The former seventh-round pick's versatility will be a valuable asset, but the Raiders must find a clear answer at right tackle. If Munford Jr. can be that answer, the Silver and Black's offensive line could be one of the best units in the league.