The Oakland Raiders have had some issues on the offensive line all training camp and now that Menelik Watson has been able to get onto the field, head coach Dennis Allen likes what he has seen from the second round pick.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Raiders likely will start Alex Barron, but now there is a chance that Watson could get the starting job after Jared Veldheer went down with an injury. Watson looked good against the Seahawks in the final preseason game and Dennis Allen said that he did not make many mental errors and looked prepared and composed on the field.
Barron looked bad while the line gave up five sacks against the Saints and now Watson had his chance to get into the action. The Raiders went just 4-12 last season and are looking for some big improvements and being solid up front for Darren McFadden could be a good start.
"There's a lot of room for improvement, which in itself is a good thing," Watson said. "I felt comfortable in my assignments and what I was asked to do, but I needed to do better in several instances, especially against the run.
"I don't think I was out of sorts or anything. I know I'll see a lot of mistakes on the game film, but that in itself will be a good learning experience. The whole week has been a plus, and this game definitely gives me something to build on."
Watson was selected by general manager Reggie McKenzie in the second round came from a tough background and his improbable rise to the NFL he has been able to appreciate his humble beginnings. The 24-year-old was taken with the 42nd pick in the draft as the highest-drafted player ever from Britain and he only started playing the sport in 2011, meaning he has had a quick time to adjust to American football.
