The Las Vegas Raiders' offensive line gets a lot of credit for the talent at all five starting positions, but it's been Denzelle Good who has turned heads.
Last season, Good played in 16 games for the Silver and Black, but he started five crucial games at left guard for the team and performed admirably; however, with a healthy unit of Kolton Miller, Richie Incognito, Rodney Hudson, Gabe Jackson, and Trent Brown entering this season, he was prepared to take a backseat despite his productive performances a season ago.
Days away from the first game of the season, incumbent tackle Trent Brown appeared on the injury report with a calf issue, and just moments into the first drive of Week 1, he was forced to exit the game. When Good was asked to fill in last season it was at left guard, something he feels comfortable with, but the coaching staff asked him to step up in Brown's stead. The tackle spot was something Good had familiarity with, but it wasn't his favorite and against a young Carolina Panthers pass rush he was put to the test.
He looked like a natural at right tackle.
"It's necessary; you really ain't got no choice," Good joked when asked how he made playing a different position look seamless. "You just have to go out there, put your head down and go to work, but being that I had experience on the outside made it easy to dip back into that. Guard is kind of what I'm naturally now, so I felt good coming off of last year. I felt like I ended the season pretty well playing left guard and going back to tackle was an adventure, but I'll do it if I have to."
In the weeks since, Brown's continued to deal with ailments, as well as left guard Richie Incognito, causing Good to transition back and forth between the two positions and done so without becoming complacent. Good hasn't earned the recognition as a Pro Bowler or elite lineman in the league like his fellow linemen, but he's played so well his teammates and coaches are declaring him an early candidate for team MVP.
"He's been sensational," Coach Gruden told reporters Wednesday. "Today we go out there, Kolton [Miller] didn't practice, Gabe [Jackson] was limited. We did a good job resting Rodney [Hudson]. Trent obviously is out. [Richie] Incognito has been out. Denzelle could probably play all four, five positions. He might be able to play two at a time if we need him too. He's been great. Doesn't say a word. Low maintenance or no maintenance. Real pro's pro. We're happy to have him."
In the two seasons Good has been a member of the Silver and Black, he's gone about his business, as Coach Gruden put it, like a pro's pro. He doesn't need the national accolades that so many players covet; he's content with the support and approval of his teammates because to him, they're all that matters.
"It's been great, man," Good said Wednesday when asked about his tenure with the Raiders thus far. "I feel like I'm a respected part of this team. The coaches know what they expect out of me and they know what kind of player I am, and what I can bring to the table. You never want to see one of your teammates get hurt, but it's a part of the NFL 100 percent, so you just have to prepare for it as best as you can and I feel like we've done a good job, Cable and the offensive line, being prepared for any situation."
With so many questions still regarding the health of Incognito and Brown, Good will continue to serve an important role, even when they return to the field. His presence might be overlooked, but his actions are certainly felt.
Take a look back at the Las Vegas Raiders' photo department's favorite images of the Silver and Black from October of the 2020 season.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chris Smith (92) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) and cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99), defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during practice.
Sixty lights are illuminated at Allegiant Stadium to pay tribute to the victims of October 1, 2017.
Sixty lights are illuminated at Allegiant Stadium to pay tribute to the victims of October 1, 2017.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jaryd Jones-Smith (72) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (12) and cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib (94) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4), quarterback Nathan Peterman (3) and quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) and running back Josh Jacobs (28) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (12) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Maliek Collins (97) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cory Littleton (42) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Derek Carrier (85), tight end Darren Waller (83), tight end Jason Witten (82) and tight end Foster Moreau (87) during practice.
The Las Vegas Raiders defensive backs huddle during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) arrives to the regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) arrives to the regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) warming up before the regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) warming up before the regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Las Vegas Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) warming up before the regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) warming up before the regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
A pre-recorded video of singer Whitney Houston performing the national anthem plays before the Las Vegas Raiders regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Southern Nevada frontline medical workers during the national anthem before the Las Vegas Raiders regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) on the sidelines during the Las Vegas Raiders regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73), safety Erik Harris (25), safety Johnathan Abram (24) and cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) and cornerback Keisean Nixon (22) knock down the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) and fullback Alec Ingold (45) during the regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) stands on the field during the regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jason Witten (82) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks off during the regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Erik Harris (25), safety Jeff Heath (38), linebacker Raekwon McMillan (54) and cornerback Keisean Nixon (22) during the regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Raekwon McMillan (54) on the bench during the regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
A member of the media in the stands during the Las Vegas Raiders regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) heads to the locker room after the regular season home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Kyle Wilber (58) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chris Smith (92) during practice.
The Al Davis Memorial Torch is lit at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) departs for the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
NFL Personnel Mark Horn before the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) warming up before the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) warming up before the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) warming up before the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) warming up before the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive line coach Tom Cable during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks down the tunnel following halftime during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates after rushing for a 2-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates after a touchdown during the regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the sidelines during the Las Vegas Raiders regular season away game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for a walkthrough.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) during practice.
A football on the field during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chris Smith (92) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end David Irving (79) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during practice.
Las Vegas Raiders guard John Simpson (76) during practice.
The entrance to the Las Vegas Raiders looker room before the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) arrives to the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) warming up before the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Rico Gafford (10) warming up before the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) warming up before the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Trent Sieg (47) warming up before the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) walks down the tunnel before the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) warming up before the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Las Vegas Raiders defensive backs huddle in the tunnel before the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib (94) and guard John Simpson (76) warming up before the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) waits to be introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the national anthem before the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) makes a 20-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) rushes during the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) on the sidelines during the Las Vegas Raiders regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) makes a catch during the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) is congratulated by wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) makes a catch during the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) on the bench during the regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden on the sidelines during the Las Vegas Raiders regular season home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
