Menelik

Watson

He also has a $6.125M option for 2019. The Broncos needed a tackle after letting Russell Okung escape to Los Angeles. Watson logged 255 snaps for Oakland last year, mostly playing at right tackle. The Broncos have now made two big moves to beef up their line by adding Watson and former Cowboys guard Ronald Leary. Watson has had a hard time staying healthy, appearing in just 37 games since entering the league in 2013. A weak tackle market dictated that Watson would get overpaid.

According to reporter Vittorio Tafur, the Raiders are “hoping/expecting” second-year pro Menelik Watson can man right tackle. Howard was a below-average tackle last season, but has zero NFL experience at guard. At 6-foot-7, he’d be a mountainous interior lineman, while he’s been an inconsistent run blocker. Considering how poor Watson’s rookie season was, there’s still a strong chance Howard ends up at right tackle.

Austin Howard was solid as a 13-game starter last season, but he ended the year on injured reserve with a knee injury which will likely keep him out of the offseason program. Menelik Watson is coming back from an Achilles’ injury, but it sounds like he should be ready for OTAs. The early availability could give Watson a leg up, but Howard played well enough to earn the benefit of the doubt. The Raiders should have one of the best offensive lines in the league this season.

Watson came off the active/PUP list on August 7 only to suffer a setback literally minutes into practice. The No. 42 overall pick, Watson was expected to push RT Khalif Barnes, but that’s probably not realistic at this moment in time. Even though an actual swinging gate might be an upgrade on Alex Barron at left tackle, Watson shouldn’t be in the mix. He played only right tackle for Florida State.

He’s probably going to struggle -- mightily -- but couldn’t possibly be worse than swinging-gate penalty collector Alex Barron. The 42nd overall pick in April’s draft, Watson is a former basketball player and college right tackle at Florida State. He’s now playing left tackle in the NFL, where in the AFC West he’ll face Dwight Freeney, Tamba Hali, and Von Miller once Miller gets back from suspension. Watson is quite likely to prove in over his head.

A native of England, Watson didn’t play football in high school, and manned the right side during his brief (19 games) college career. His first reps on the blindside will come in Thursday’s preseason finale at CenturyLink Field, easily the loudest stadium in the NFL. “Because he doesn’t have a history ... his bad habits are easy to break,” OL coach Tony Sparano hoped out loud. Similarly raw QB Terrelle Pryor better be ready to put his scrambling talents to use.

“I didn’t see guys running around him left and right,” Allen said. “I didn’t see him make a lot of mental errors. I think that, for the first time out, in this tough environment, he gave us something solid to improve on.” Allen’s praise might sound tepid, but it’s actually not considering Thursday was Watson’s first game at left tackle at any level. He certainly appeared to be an improvement on Alex Barron. Watson will man the blindside until Jared Veldheer’s (triceps) return. Despite his solid debut, Watson could still easily end up the worst left tackle in the league.

Watson was activated from active/PUP in early August, but suffered a setback in his practice debut. Meanwhile, Oakland’s offensive line situation has become dire after allowing five first-half sacks to the pass rush-deficient Saints on Thursday night. “Anthony Munoz is not out there right now,” coach Dennis Allen said. “So we’re looking at the options to see what there is.”

Watson’s availability for Week 1 could be in jeopardy after he “tweaked” his knee and was unable to finish practice. The Raiders would be forced to start Tony Pashos if Watson can’t go, with Khalif Barnes moving to left tackle.

Watson has been ahead of Austin Howard since training camp opened. He would have been the starter last year but Howard filled in after Watson tore his Achilles’. “I think it’s great to have Menelik back,” said coach Jack Del Rio. “He brings a little temperament, a little athleticism to the position.” Del Rio hasn’t announced a starter yet but it’s going to be Watson as long as he stays healthy.