The Oakland Raiders, Offensive Line: The Big Uglys'

Derek Courtney by Correspondent Written on June 25, 2009

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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 09:  Cooper Carlisle #66 of the Oakland Raiders sits on the bench against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL game on November 9, 2008 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Ima
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

The Oakland Raiders have been dreadful at the line of scrimmage for the past few seasons.

Much of this is due to the, "revolving door policy," at head coach.

With Robert Gallery finally finding a home at Left Guard, and Mario Hendersons coming out party at the end of last season, it seems the Raiders have found someone to protect Jamarcus Russells blind-side.

Even if some of the guys like Henderson don't perform up to expectation the Raiders have one thing this season that they haven't had in a while....depth.

With the addition of guys like Samson Satele, Kalif Barnes, and Erik Pears the Raiders are going into this season with with high hopes for the O-Line.

Left Tackle: Mario Henderson

OAKLAND, CA - 2008:  Mario Henderson of the Oakland Raiders poses for his 2008 NFL headshot at photo day in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Getty Images)

Going into the season the left tackle spot is Mario Hendersons to lose. He performed very well after taking over for the extremely mistake prone Kwame Harris.

The 6'7'' 300 lb. beast from Florida State will be entering his third season with the Raiders.

If Henderson can not perform up to expectations expect to see the newly signed Kalif Barnes getting a crack a Left Tackle.

Left Guard: Robert Gallery

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 14:  Robert Gallery #76 of the Oakland Raiders looks on during their NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 14, 2008 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Raiders defeated the Chiefs 23-8. (Photo by J

Thank God we found this guy a home at guard. I was getting pretty tired of hearing all the bust talk every time his name was mentioned.

When you're constantly moved around the line it's hard to adapt.

Drafted to be the left tackle of the future, Gallery never panned out like many had hoped. He looked out of place at times and was very penalty prone.

Expect Gallery to really start to come into his role at guard and improve on what he was able to accomplish last season.

Center: Samson Satele

MIAMI - NOVEMBER 09:  Offensive lineman Samson Satele #64 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates his team's victory over the Seattle Seahawks at Dolphin Stadium on November 9, 2008 in Miami, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the Seahawks 21-19.  (Photo by Doug Ben

I'll start by saying I was sad to see Jake Grove go. Despite what anyone says Jake Grove was a valuable guy for the Raiders.

But, with Grove gone the Raiders needed to find a replacement. That's where Satlele comes in.

At 6'3'' 300lbs. Satele will be an upgrade over Jake Grove.

Satele only allowed 4.5 sacks last season with the Dolphins.

Right Guard: Cooper Carlisle

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 23:  Guard Cooper Carlisle #66 of the Oakland Raiders is set in a three-point stance against the Cleveland Browns during a 26-24 win at McAfee Coliseum on September 23, 2007 in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Im

Cooper Carlisle has played well for Oakland over the past two season. Since leaving the Broncos to join the Raiders, Carlisle has started all but one game. The one game missed was due to injury.

Carlisle has provided the Raiders with solid play and looks to continue his role at the right guard position.

In 2007, Carlisle gave up only four sacks in 15 starts.

Right Tackle: Cornell Green

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 9:  Tackle Cornell Green #74 of the Oakland Raiders prepares to block against the Detroit Lions at the McAfee Coliseum on September 9, 2007 in Oakland, California.  The Lions defeated the Raiders 36-21 (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty

Cornell Green has been hit and miss at times.

Getting all 16 starts last season, Green gave up 7.5 sacks.

The 11-year vet will be entering his third season with the silver and black.

Cornell Green, like Mario Henderson, will be playing with a solid back-up behind him. If he does not play to his potential look for guys like Erik Pears and Kalif Barnes to see time at Right Tackle.

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written on June 25, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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