Five Raiders storylines to follow as OTA’s begin
By Evan Groat
Battle for the right tackle job
The revolving door at right tackle has been an area of concern along the Raiders offensive line for a number of years. This season will be no different.
Once again, there will be a camp competition for the starting job and the best man will win. Offseason addition Marshall Newhouse, who signed a two-year contract worth 3.5 million, has a leg up on the job according to Del Rio. Newhouse, a six year veteran, has spent time with the Giants, Bengals, and Packers, starting in 56 of 86 career games.
Plan B is Austin Howard, but he is coming back from offseason shoulder surgery of the rotator cuff and labrum. Howard saw 11 starts last year but battled injuries throughout the season and was never able to outright win the starting job, as Menelik Watson dealt with injuries of his own. If Howard is to win the job, be prepared to watch the same up and down play we’ve have seen from him throughout his career as a Raider.
My personal favorite for the job is second year player Vadal Alexander. Some considered Alexander a draft day steal when he fell all the way to the seventh round. A big and physical downhill blocker, Alexander filled a reserve lineman role last season, logging 308 snaps at right tackle and guard position. Alexander’s versatility makes him a valuable member to the O-line group and I would love for him to take advantage of the opportunity in front of him.
Sleepers for the job include Denver Kirkland, Jon Feliciano, and rookie David Sharpe.