Las Vegas Raiders Profile: Right Guard John Simpson

Guard John Simpson joins the Raiders from Clemson, where he went 29-1 during his last two seasons. He will add depth to the guard position.

In the past, I’ve previewed every opponent for the Raiders this season and profiled every coach.

As we inch closer to Week 1, I am now profiling every player on the Raiders roster.

Today, we’re profiling right guard John Simpson

Adding Depth and Competition to Right Guard

Right guard John Simpson is coming off a successful college career at Clemson. With the Tigers, during his upperclassman years, he was a full-time starter at the left guard position. The Tigers went 29-1 during this stretch.

The 6-foot-4, 330-pound guard earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors last season. Simpson was a semifinalist in voting for the Outland Trophy, given to the nation’s top interior offensive lineman.

Simpson was a full-time guard on the field protecting one of the best quarterbacks in college football: Trevor Lawrence.

It’s also helpful that Simpson can play both guard positions.

He was classified as a guard entering the NFL Draft since Simpson has experience playing in both the left and right guard for the Tigers.

With a resume like this, Simpson was bound to be selected in the NFL Draft. His selection came in the fourth round by the Las Vegas Raiders, as the Silver and Black wanted to add depth to the guard position.

Last season, the Raiders struggled with injuries throughout their squad and especially the offensive line. At some point during the season, tackle Kolton Miller, guard Richie Incognito, center Rodney Hudson, tackle Trent Brown and guard Gabe Jackson all sustained injuries.

Pretty much the entire offensive line suffered an injury at some point during the season.

Yet, the Raiders limited quarterback Derek Carr’s sacks to only 29 last season, the fourth-fewest among quarterbacks.

By adding a talented versatile guard like Simpson, it brings depth to the guard positions and therefore not risking less of output if someone is injured.

Depth charts show Simpson playing backup right guard to Gabe Jackson. We’ll see if this stays true as the season approaches.

Simpson was an addition to the offensive line that will add confidence to the Silver and Black knowing another big man is ready to play when needed.

Tell us what you think in the comment section below.

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