Derek Carr to Make the Biggest Jump in Year Two

Sep 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Oakland Raiders tackle Donald Penn (72) against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line

Left tackle Donald Penn played very well in a bounce-back year along with rookie left guard Gabe Jackson. But you need more than two as center Stefen Wizniewksi was average and right guard Austin Howard and right tackle Menelik Watson were horrible. This is why Carr was pressured so much but that situation has been rectified in a big way this offseason.

Howard was moved back to his natural position of right tackle, where he was a top free agent in 2014. And while Jon Feliciano was drafted in the fourth round to play guard, J’Marcus Webb is in the lead for the spot now. And now, for the first time since Barrett Robbins went AWOL, the Raiders have a Pro Bowl Caliber center in former Kansas City Chief Rodney Hudson

Carr should now have a little more time to find open receivers with the offensive line being improved. Offensive line coach Mike Tice told Raiders.com, “I’m pretty excited about the group I have to work with. First of all, it’s the biggest – I was telling my wife and some friends the other day – it’s the biggest, most athletic group of guys I’ve worked with before.”

Next: Running Game