Oakland Raiders: 5 biggest preseason takeaways
By John Buhler
The best thing from the Raiders preseason is that Oakland looks to be elite once again along the offensive line. Though Pro Bowl left tackle Donald Penn held out for four weeks of camp this summer, he was able to come back in and play at a high level in the third preseason game against the Cowboys.
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Oakland’s offensive interior of left guard Kelechi Osemele, center Rodney Hudson and right guard Gabe Jackson are about as good of a trio one would could hope for up front.
These guys have built a tremendous rapport and it wouldn’t be shocking if all three earned Pro Bowl nods this season. Jackson seems to have taken that next step in his career to join elite players like Hudson and Osemele.
This offensive line is also deep and a well-coached unit. Though Marshall Newhouse could become a liability at right tackle, he got a good bit of run at left tackle this year during the Penn holdout.
His value as a swing tackle can’t be overstated. Vadal Alexander expanded his game from guard to right tackle during the preseason. He wasn’t great, but could hold his own at a new position.
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Rookie David Sharpe showed signs of promise at tackle. Getting guard Jon Feliciano back late in camp from injury was huge. Even guard Ian Silberman proved he can play some third-string center in a pinch. Offensive line coach Mike Tide should be very happy with the players he gets to coach up front for the Raiders this year. Oakland should have a top-five offensive line in football once again.