Built Through the Draft: Oakland Raiders

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Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (98) is pushed to the turf by Oakland Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66) in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

2014: Gabe Jackson

After getting the best football player and the best QB in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Raiders had another good player fall to them. OG Gabe Jackson was originally supposed to go in the late-first or early-second round. But a bad forty caused him to make that fall down the board.

So the Raiders, in the midst of switching to power-blocking from zone blocking, personnel wise, sprinted to the podium to take him in the third round. He’s just what the Raiders needed, a 6’3″ 340-pound road grader that can take a man his size or bigger and bury him and protect the passer.

And that’s what he did right away as he came right in, won the starting job, and became a core player. His run blocking was expected but Jackson finishing the season 14th-ranked in pass blocking efficiency at his position according to Pro Football Focus as a surprise.

In 2016, Jackson was ranked No. 13 overall and No. 6 in pass blocking by Pro Football Focus. His grade isn’t what it should have been better in run blocking but we should expect that in 2016. He will be moving to the right side to make room for Osemele and give the Raiders two great guards.

Next: 2015 Amari Cooper

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