5 Oakland Raiders who need a big Preseason Week 1

Menelik Watson

Reggie McKenzie made Watson his second round draft choice back in 2013, and the jury is still out on this still relatively inexperienced right tackle. Most of Watson’s absences have been due to injuries, enabling many in Raider Nation to proceed with caution when judging Watson’s short career. As was the case last year, he finds himself battling the seventh year veteran Austin Howard for the final spot on the offensive line: right tackle.

Again, as was the case last year, all reports seem to have Watson with the slight advantage at this stage in the preseason, although given competition that Howard will provide the rest of the way, nothing is a sure thing. McKenzie would love to see another one of his draft picks not only crack the starting lineup, but succeed at it as well. Health permitting, this is a fierce camp battle that should go down to the wire.

Next: Giorgio Tavecchio