Oakland Raiders: Analyzing How Rookies Will Make Impact
Gabe Jackson – G, Mississippi State – Round 3, Pick 81.
Arguably Oakland’s biggest weakness in recent years has been with the offensive line, and McKenzie has made rebuilding the line a top priority this offseason. Free agent signings Donald Penn, Austin Howard and Kevin Boothe are evidence of that, and third-round pick Gabe Jackson is further proof that the Raiders want to do the pushing around.
Jackson was slotted by many to go in the second-round and was considered one of the top guards in the entire draft. The Raiders were able to trade down in the third-round to acquire an extra pick, and had to be ecstatic when Jackson was still available when they were on the clock.
Sept 1, 2012; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs offensive linesman Gabe Jackson (61) during the game against the Jackson State Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State Bulldogs defeated the Jackson State Tigers 56-9. Mandatory Credit: Spruce DerdenUSA TODAY Sports
Offensive line coach Tony Sparano has a lot of moving pieces to work with so it remains to be seen which player will play what position, but Jackson will compete for one of the two starting guard spots. Jackson is just about the total package when it comes to what you look for in a quality starting guard. Billed at 6-foot-3, 336-pounds, Jackson has ideal size to go with an incredible 82” wingspan.
His power starts with his lower body where he is able to use a great punch and impressive balance to push defenders around. It’s not just his size that makes Jackson a problem for defenders, but his smarts as well. Jackson rarely finds himself out of position and always seems to make the smart play.
On tape it’s evident that Jackson clearly understands blocking schemes so he should have no problem picking up his new assignments under Sparano. Whether it’s pulling to the opposite side for a pitch or bulldozing straight ahead to convert on fourth-and-inches, Jackson flashes the ability to be the well-rounded guard that the Oakland Raiders desperately need.
Jackson will need to improve his foot quickness to keep up with the speed of NFL defenders as well as his ability to block at the second level but if he can do that during camp, the starting job will be his to lose. A starting unit of Penn, Jackson, Wisniewski, Howard, Watson with Boothe, Barnes, McCants and Bergstrom as the backups should prove this group to be the best offensive line the silver and black have fielded in years. No matter how the line shakes out, they will be a vast improvement over past seasons and Gabe Jackson figures to be a big part of that.