Oakland Raiders 2015 Preview: Three bold player predictions
3. Raiders Offensive Line will have at least one All-Pro.
Aug 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) takes the snap from offensive lineman Rodney Hudson (61) in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The addition of Mike Tice to the coaching staff may have been the best coaching-related acquisition this off-season. Tice has been one of the best OL coaches in the league for some time now, and his presence will provide an immediate boost to the quality of the o-line play.
Tice has some work to do with the right side of the line, even more so now that Menelik Watson is done for the year, but he has a few very solid pieces to work with in Donald Penn, Gabe Jackson and Rodney Hudson.
Penn was outstanding last year protecting Carr’s blindside, and he should be in line for another great season. Big Gabe is as mean as they come, and could have a big year as he continues to get better. And Hudson was already one of the best center’s in the league last season, and he just turned 26 years old.
Under the tutelage of Tice, all three of these players should see an improvement in their quality of play, and at least one of them could end up on the All-Pro team this season.
Hudson is the one I’d bet my money on. He was close to making the All-Pro team last year and should only get better from here. Here is a bit of what Rodney brings to the table.
As solid as Penn was last season, it’s hard to see him progressing any further at his age. So that’s why Jackson would be my second choice.
Gabe held his own last season against the likes of J.J. Watt and Justin Smith, so there is no doubt he can compete at a very high level. In only his second season, Tice will be able to mold and develop Jackson, and he has a chance to be one of the best guards in the league.
Here is a couple of clips of Big Gabe doing work.
1 on 1 against the best defensive player in the NFL.
If one or both of these guys can play well enough to make the All-Pro team, the ripple effect that will have on the offense will be huge. It means Carr will be kept clean, giving the improved receiving core plenty of time for their routes to develop, and it means that Latavius Murray will have plenty of open lanes to run through.
So that does it for the bold predictions. Let me know what you think…too bold? Not bold enough? Do you have any of your own bold predictions to add?