Why Oakland Raiders Should Take a Closer Look at Menelik Watson at Right Tackle

When it was decided that Oakland Raiders’ offensive lineman Austin Howard would switch back to his natural position at tackle, he became the front-runner for the starting position in the upcoming season. As College GameDay anchor Lee Corso would say, “Not so fast my friends.”

Of all the competition battles heading into training camp, the battle at right tackle is the least talked about competition. Usually when a player reverts back to their natural position, vast improvements are expected. Howard will likely have a better season as a tackle, but his track record doesn’t indicate he should become the front-running starter: 

Year	Sacks Allowed	Hits Allowed	Hurries Allowed	Total Pressure
2012	10	10	31	51
2013	2	15	21	38

In his first 16 starts, he struggled tremendously and vastly improved in the following year. When comparing Howard’s good year with the New York Jets and offensive guard Menelik Watson’s 2014 campaign, neither player significantly outperformed the other.

Player	Games Played	Pass Block Snaps	Sacks Allowed	Hits Allowed	Hurries Allowed	Total Pressure Allowed
Austin Howard	16	559	2	15	21	38
Menelik Watson	12	313	2	2	21	25

Momentum should play a factor between the two. Howard is coming off an entire season playing guard, while Watson should be given the opportunity to build off an average season at tackle.

Continuity is essential in developing a raw talent with potential. Watson’s continuity was interrupted by an ankle injury in the last quarter of the season, per Levi Damien of SilverandBlackPride.com.

To my surprise, Oakland’s talented offensive lineman carries a “bust” label when discussed. Bleacher Report’s Christopher Hansen has already filed him under one of general manager Reggie McKenzie’s bad picks, making his reference via Twitter:

Is this the label he deserves after 21 hurries allowed and two sacks in 12 starts? He has dealt with injuries in his first two seasons just like cornerback D.J. Hayden, but the narratives on their season outlooks are much different. Hayden is the unquestioned starter at cornerback, but Watson has taken a backseat to Howard.

There’s also a bright side for Watson. According to ESPN writer Vaughn McClure, new offensive line coach Mike Tice sees potential in his young talents: 

"

I have an initial feeling on the guys. I think there is some talent here that we can work with. But I need to go and grade the whole season before giving a valid assessment of the group. No. 71 (Menelik Watson) and No. 66 (Gabe Jackson) look like they have the potential to be good players.

The left tackle (Donald) Penn, from what I’ve seen to this point on film, played solid.

"

It should be noted the Raiders offensive line was one of the best at protecting the quarterback in 2014. The Raiders ranked sixth in sacks allowed (28). Only two of the top eight teams in sacks allowed missed the playoffs. The Houston Texans (9-7) were the other team. If it isn’t broke, why fix it? 

The Achilles’ heel of the Raiders offensive line was run blocking. Oakland’s offensive line was ranked 30th, per Pro Football Focus in run blocking. Fortunately, hiring Tice and an influx of new and developing talent at the running back position should improve run-protection schemes.

Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Howard struggled in his first year as a tackle and showed improvement. At 6’7”, 330 pounds he’s capable of showing the same improvement as an interior lineman in his second year. 

Fourth-round pick Jon Feliciano may not be ready to take over as the starting guard in 2015. Barnes is a savvy veteran, but he’s past his prime in terms of squeezing out any more potential. Howard shifting back to guard and Watson on the outside at tackle could be a formidable combination for the near future.

It’s not about moving mountains to insert Watson into the starting lineup. Nonetheless, he deserves as much of an opportunity to start as fellow 2013 draftees, Hayden and running back Latavius Murray. Both Hayden and Murray enter the 2015 season with limited NFL resumes but will have significant roles in the immediate future.

If Watson remains healthy, he too should be a major contributor to a productive season and an even brighter future in Oakland.

Advanced statistics provided by Pro Football Focus, Pro-Football-Reference.com and ESPN.com.

Player measurements provided by Raiders.com.

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