Oakland Raiders 5 Biggest Training Camp Battles for 2014

May 16, Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders tackle Erle Ladson (68) stretches at rookie minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

#3- Offensive Linemen (Guards & Tackles)

Without this first line of defense (offense), no offensive plays could ever be executed.  DE’s and DT’s are becoming increasingly athletic and agile in the NFL, and there have to be some strong and mean meat waggons parked in front of the QB to ward them off.  Enter in 2014.  General Manager Reggie McKenzie was not happy with how the 2013 offensive line performed, and he kicked a lot of those players to the curb.  To me, it was clear that the main focus of the Raiders was to improve the offensive and defensive lines.  Based on the players brought in to compete, I believe McKenzie has done his job well.

Although there are some names that have begun to emerge in OTA’s, the Tackle position is literally wide open for anybody to take it.  Donald Penn (#72) has the best shot to be the LT.  After that, there is going to be a battle between Austin Howard and Menelik Watson for the RT position.  Another player I’m going to throw into that mix is “Big Sky” Montana, Dan Kistler (#65).  Kistler stands at 6′ 7″ and weighs in at 315 pounds.  Though he’s not as athletic as Watson is, he’s extremely smart and strong, and I believe he will push Watson to perform at a higher level.  Howard may be battling it out for the right guard position with Kevin Boothe (#67), so I could see Watson as the starter with Kistler right at his heels.

The Guard positions are going to be really exciting, as there will be several players battling it out for approximately 2 available positions.  3rd Round draft pick Gabe Jackson may have locked in a start or two at the LG position, but there will be plenty of other players trying to show the rookie up.  The battle will be raging between Lamar Mady (#63), Lucas Nix (#76), Khalif Barnes (#69), Erle Ladson (#68), and Matt McCants (#73), for the remaining roster positions.  Luckily, this is a position where depth is a must, and there’s a possibility that the Raiders will keep 10 linemen.  Center Stephen Wisniewski (#61) will be secured at his position for another year, so that leaves 9 roster spots left.