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
Sifting through the many interviews regarding the announcement that Rookie Derek Carr is the starter for the Oakland Raiders, I found it interesting to learn that newly acquired veteran WR James Jones had been working out with Carr when he was still at Fresno State. How cool is that!?!
Equally cool is the fact that many of the 2014 Draft Picks will be taking the field for the Oakland Raiders, and, in some cases, they will be first day starters. This is a testament to the process the team has gone through to try to right this ship. The page has now been turned, and the right combination has now been spun.
It’s no surprise to this writer that 1st Round selection Khalil Mack (LB) was immediately going to have a role on the defense. You would expect that from a 1st Round pick, but Mack has proven his worth to the team in Training Camp and Preseason. Now with the New York Jets in their sights, Mack will be looking to show the world just how good he really is.
For this writer it was no surprise that the Oakland Raiders selected QB Derek Carr in the 2nd Round. Of course, I made the assumption that he was like all rookies, and I formed the opinion that he needed some bench time under his belt. However, Carr has proven that he deserves to be in the spot light, and he has elevated the hopes of the Raiders players and Raider Nation. His arm looks awesome. Accuracy, velocity, quick feet, he’s able to escape if need be, and his progression through his reads is fast. Plus, the ball gets out of his hands when he does make that decision to throw. Hell, I grabbed him off the waiver wire on one of my Fantasy Football Teams.
3rd Round selection Gabe Jackson (G) will be starting at Left Guard. All Training Camp and Preseason long, Jackson elevated his play to a whole new level, and he will be a very necessary piece to the offensive attack of the Raiders. As you all know, I believe that the answer to many of the questions surrounding the Raiders get answered by how well the offensive line performs. The combination of offensive linemen that includes Jackson at Left Guard is the best one.