Tony

Bergstrom

The 95th overall pick in the 2012 draft, Bergstrom never found his footing in Oakland, starting just four games in four seasons. He did hold his own in three spot starts last year, seeing action at both guard and center. Although they did land Jeff Allen, the Texans have question marks on the interior line after losing RG Brandon Brooks and C Ben Jones in free agency.

Bergstrom was Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie’s first-ever draft pick, selected at No. 95 overall in ’12. He played in nine games as a rookie, starting one, and missed all of 2013 with a “significant” foot injury. Bergstrom was drafted for Oakland’s old zone-blocking scheme. They’ve since switched to power blocking.

Bergstrom played both tackle spots as a three-year starter at Utah, but he’s ticketed for the interior in Oakland after impressing at guard in the Senior Bowl. The Raiders will likely try to develop him as the successor to 34-year-old LG Cooper Carlisle.

A college tackle, Bergstrom could unseat Cooper Carlisle for a starting job. “He’s done a nice job,” coach Dennis Allen said of Bergstrom. “He fits the scheme, the zone-running scheme and he has some athleticism. He’ll be a nice fit.”

The 95th overall pick, Bergstrom auditioned at left guard during rookie camp and could push for the starting job, competing with over-the-hill Cooper Carlisle. Bergstrom was mostly a tackle in college, so he’s learning a new position. He’s still considered a strong fit for the Raiders’ zone-blocking scheme.

A college tackle, Bergstrom was Oakland’s first selection in the 2012 draft, where they lacked both first- and second-round picks. He earned just over 100 snaps as a rookie. New OL coach Tony Sparano was reportedly “high” on Bergstrom coming out of Utah. He’s giving him the first look to replace Cooper Carlisle.

Yet another blow for the overmatched Raiders. Lucas Nix will now slide in at left guard, with Mike Brisiel remaining at right guard. A 2012 third rounder, Bergstrom is already 27 years old. He appeared in nine games as a rookie, making one start. He’ll be verging toward “bust” status if he misses all of 2013.

The NFL’s worst offensive line loses another starter. Bergstrom suffered the injury in Oakland’s preseason finale, in which he shouldn’t even have been playing. The Raiders will open the season with a starting front five of LT Menelik Watson, LG Lucas Nix, C Stefen Wisniewski, RG Mike Brisiel, and RT Khalif Barnes.

Bergstrom made eight starts as a swing interior lineman last year. He’ll return as quality veteran depth.

He limped off early in the second quarter. Chase Roullier has shifted from center to right guard with Tony Bergstrom at center. A 2015 first-rounder out of Iowa, Scherff has represented the ‘Skins in each of the last two Pro Bowls.