Oakland Raiders Position Battles: Packers scorecards

Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oakland Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66) against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Gabe Jackson Should Have it

Gabe Jackson was an absolute steal third round that I always expected to come right in and start. Then I hear Khalif Barnes has moved to left guard and offensive coordinator Greg Olson speaking of his “fountain of youth.” And I have to admit, Olson was right about this fountain of youth because he is the same as he always was.

He was never a road grader in the running game as a tackle and he constantly gets pushed back as as a guard. I’m still waiting for him to hit someone on a screen pass or when he pulls and it’s just not him if he isn’t called for holding. Barnes has always been that guy that you want in there when someone gets hurt or you just couldn’t get the guy you wanted at the position.

At the peak of his prime, he was never as good as Jackson, who is a road grader that finds his man when pulling. He’s also shown that he can pass block and has improved this preseason at picking up stunts. With a score of two rounds to none with two even, Jackson should be your winner for the left guard position.