Gabe Jackson to remain at right guard with Raiders left guard spot ‘wide open’

The offensive line in Oakland is taking shape. Gruden said Friday that newly signed tackle Trent Brown will be begin his 4-year record contract with the Raiders at right tackle. That left the question as to who will line up where at guard.

Gabe Jackson has been the team’s starting right guard the past few seasons, but he started his NFL career at left guard. He moved to the right side when the team added Kelechi Osemele. This offseason they traded Osemele to the Jets, leaving some to wonder if Jackson could move back to left guard. Gruden says that won’t happen.

“[Gabe Jackson] will stay on the right [side],” said Gruden.

With the hole opening up at the left guard spot, it made sense for the team to use one of their draft picks at the position. They didn’t do that, leading to the top contender for the job to be Denzelle Good, who started in place the injured Jackson late last season and who the team re-signed to a one-year deal.

Despite no other major additions at guard, Gruden is not ready to give the job to anyone.

“[T]he door’s wide open at left guard and we’re going to continue to look at players that can come in and compete at that position,” Gruden continued.

It’s interesting he not only said the spot is an open competition, but that they would even keep their eyes open for potentially adding someone else to the team. Current guards on the roster include Good, Bad, Ugly, Denver Kirkland, Chaz Green, and Jordan Devey. They also reportedly signed several guards as undrafted free agents.