Tom Telesco did one Raiders starter a favor even though they drafted his potential future replacement

The Las Vegas Raiders are one of the NFL franchises that respect players more than any other. They do things differently and take the NFL's "brotherhood" very seriously. To them, it's not just a business.

Not every franchise can say that; we have seen it over the years. But the Raiders have an alumni program that is second to none. They are a prestigious franchise for many reasons, that is one reason why.

Under the new leadership, the Raiders' commitment to player respect remains unwavering. Tom Telesco, the recently appointed general manager, has already left a significant mark in his short tenure, showcasing a profound respect for the players. This was particularly evident during the 2024 NFL Draft, hinting at a promising future for the team.

During the draft, the Raiders adopted a 'best player available' strategy. Despite a pressing need on the offensive line, they surprised many by not immediately drafting an offensive tackle. This strategic approach continued into round two, where they found the best interior offensive lineman in the draft, a decision that was both calculated and insightful.

The Raiders drafted Jackson Powers-Johnson, a center and guard from Oregon, as he was too good to pass up. He played center at Oregon in his last two seasons but was announced at the draft as a guard.

At that very moment, Andre James, the center for the Raiders in the last few years and a guy who had just received a new contract from the Raiders this offseason, was a bit confused. However, that's not at all how it was.