Gabe Jackson is 100 percent with right guard transition

Oakland Raiders guard Gabe Jackson opened up about his move from left guard to right guard, earlier this week.

Raiders guard Gabe Jackson started the last two seasons at left guard, beside tackle Donald Penn.

However, when the Raiders resigned Penn and added left guard Kelechi Osemele, someone had to move to the right guard position.

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Offensive line coach Mike Tice made the call to Jackson once Osemele was on board. Jackson said Tice wanted to experiment and see which player fit best at right guard.

Jackson has made the position switch with a smile, according to Scott Bair.

"“I was open to it,” Jackson said after Tuesday’s OTA session. “Whatever helps our offensive line, whatever helps us win -– I’ll do it. I’m 100-percent with it.”"

Still, Jackson played his entire professional and collegiate career at left guard. He looked like the future of the position over the past two seasons.

Now, Jackson must adjust to new footwork on the other side.

Despite the growing pains with the learning process, Jackson said the move is fun too.

Thus far, head coach Jack Del Rio said the transition is going just fine. The Raiders head coach said Jackson has the power that is coveted for the right guard position.

Nonetheless, Del Rio said they are looking for the best group upfront. That could mean Jackson or Osemele at right guard, but right now Jackson gets the first crack at switching sides.

Both Del Rio and Tice believe in versatility upfront. They want linemen with the ability to play both sides, because not every linemen makes the active roster, according to Jerry McDonald.

Jackson said that the entire offensive line group shares the same attitude.

"“We all want to be the best, and we all want to win. Every day we go out there wanting to win.” Jackson said."

The group knows the hype of being the best offensive line in the league. The Raiders offensive line are focused on living up to that hype beginning in OTA, according to Jackson.

If Jackson can dominate the right guard position like he dominated the left guard position, then the Raiders should have one of the best units up front.

If Jackson stays at right guard, the only offensive line position without a Pro Bowl caliber player remains right tackle. That position should improve too if Menelik Watson and Austin Howard both stay healthy.

Last season, the Raiders kept quarterback Derek Carr as one of the least pressured quarterbacks and sprung running back Latavius Murray for more than 1,000 rushing yards.

With Jackson and Osemele at either guard position, the Raiders will have a much improved interior offensive line. Therefore, the sky is the limit for this group in 2016.