Oakland Raiders Offensive Line Now a Strength

September 29, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Rashad Greene (80) is congratulated by offensive linesman Menelik Watson (71) after they scored a touchdown against the South Florida Bulls during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Menelik Watson

Menelik Watson, the Raiders’ 2013 second-round pick out of Florida State, will be next to Howard at right tackle this year. He is an exceptional athlete that has played college basketball and boxed as an amateur. He actually messed around and almost won the left tackle job last year as he looked good during the preseason before getting injured, which stalled Watson’s rookie season in Oakland considerably.

His quick feet and explosive hand punch from his basketball and boxing days were on full display as he looked promising. But this year, he’s back to right tackle, the position he is most familiar with as that is what he played at Florida State. It will serve the Raiders well to have two good tackles as they play against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have great rushers coming off  of both edges.

Then there’s the running game where Watson was a road grater himself in college and that usually translates to the NFL. That is especially needed on the right side as most NFL teams are right handed in the running game. Watson is good where he is now but in a couple of years, he’s going to end up being one of the top left tackles in the game.