Nov 17, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets tackle Austin Howard (77) and Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (99) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Austin Howard
As Wisniewski enjoys having Jackson to his left, he will equally enjoy having 6’7″ 330-pound Austin Howard to his right. Howard is another road grader that will help the Raiders run inside at will. He was a right tackle while with the New York Jets but as planned by G.M. Reggie McKenzie, he has kicked inside to right guard. The Raiders haven’t been too good running the ball inside the last couple of years because of the right guard position. Robert Gallery was a good left guard in 2010 and Wisniewski was good in the same position in 2011. But whether if its been Cooper Carlisle or Mike Brisel at right guard in the power-blocking scheme, the position has been a weakness. Now that Howard is at right guard, the position has become a strength and fit for the power-blocking scheme. The line of scrimmage will no longer move backwards when the Raiders run the ball up the middle. And since Howard has been a tackle over his career, there’s no reason to expect him to struggle in pass protection.