Oakland Raiders: 6 Questions That Need Answers Ahead of the Draft

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Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) makes a call behind guard Gabe Jackson (66) in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

What Will They Do About a Guard?

They’ve upgraded the center position with the acquisition of Rodney Hudson, and with Austin Howard likely to slide back to his natural tackle position, Donald Penn manning the other side, and Gabe Jackson entrenched at the left guard spot, the Raiders still find themselves lacking a right guard.

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Those four guys make up a formidable offensive line, one that will protect Carr as well as blow open running lanes, but they still need somebody at the guard spot to make the line complete. It’s possible that veteran Khalif Barnes could slide into the spot, he has played some guard for the Raiders before. And though he’s performed admirably, it’s not his natural position and he could be the weak link in the chain.

Without a lot of options on the free agent market, and a relatively thin class in this year’s draft, the Raiders are going to need to dig deep to unearth a gem.

Given the presence of Barnes, as well as the fact that there aren’t a lot of solid prospects out there, the Raiders are going to have to make do at this point. They can perhaps pick up a guard in the mid to late rounds of the draft, somebody like Ali Marpet out of Hobart, Jamil Douglas out of Arizona State, or Tre Jackson from Florida State if they’re available – and the hope they can develop on the fly.

Next: Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

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