The Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive line struggled last season, prompting a new coaching staff to take over the group. Rick Dennison was brought in to help turn around the corps, hopefully elevate their performance, and allow Ashton Jeanty room to run and keep the quarterbacks upright.
One of the players added in free agency was guard Spencer Burford. Burford spent time in San Francisco with new head coach Klint Kubiak in 2023. Burford struggled that season, leading to his benching in the NFL Playoffs.
After being a backup all of 2024, injuries hit the 49ers’ offensive line, thrusting him back into the lineup. While it wasn’t the best performance in the world, Burford played average football, which gave him a chance to hit free agency with better film at his disposal.
The Raiders signed Burford to a one-year deal in 2026, adding depth to the guard position. In OTAs, the former 49er was consistently the starting left guard, which surprised fans expecting Caleb Rogers to get a chance to start with the first team.
A big reason for this is Burford’s understanding of Kubiak’s wide zone system. He has the athletic ability to run the zone scheme effectively and has a leg up on the other offensive linemen when it comes to understanding his assignments. He is undersized at 300 pounds, which is why the wide zone is the best scheme to maximize his potential.
Burford has been a decent run blocker throughout his career. He is never in the wrong spot or takes false steps when running outside zone. A perfect example is below against the Chicago Bears. Watch Burford get up to the second on the combo block and end it with a pancake.
Of course, Pass Protection in true passing situations is where Burford will struggle the most. He just doesn’t have the feet to stay with pass rushers on passing downs to consistently keep the quarterback upright. In the play below, it is on full display as he gives up this easy pressure against the Giants, leading to a sack.
It will be hard for the other guards to beat out Burford during training camp because of his intelligence and understanding of the offense. However, if Caleb Rogers and the other guards can avoid mental mistakes and outperform Burford, everything could change.
