The Need to Reward Gabe Jackson
Three Ways to Measure Gave Jackson’s worth
While listing Oakland Raiders offensive linemen, many will mention Gabe Jackson last. He doesn’t play the glory position of left tackle. Neither is he regarded as the best guard in the NFL or a technician/leader at center. Jackson is the quietest superstar lineman in the league. With his contract set to expire after the 2017 season, the Oakland Raiders need to pay him. Losing Jackson would cause a sizable dent in the offensive scheme.
Durability: Jackson started all but one game he’s played for the Raiders. As the old saying states, the best ability is availability. Week after week, his name shows in the lineup. Manning a guard spot is not the easiest of task. Defensive tackles are getting quicker by the year, yet stronger with each minute. Jackson settles in to the interior of the line and just plows ahead for four quarters.
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Skills: Although Jackson is a mauler due to his enormous frame, he plays with a technique and skill befitting much smaller players. Despite the girth, Jackson moves well in a short area. First thing to remember when watching this video is Jackson is upwards of 335 pounds.
Given that, larger guards aren’t supposed to pull like that makes this incredible. The defender had no chance. Equally import to elite guards is agility.
With that said about Jackson’s nimbleness, appreciate the earth moving power on display in this vine, provided by Cover32Raiders’ Blackhanside
Impact: Operating on the right side in 2016, Jackson lined up next to the revolving door of right tackles. However, there is no fluidity or cohesion on that side of the line. While Hudson, Osemele, and Penn are routinely dominating the center-left, inconsistent right tackle play forces Jackson to provide assistance to the tackle. Similarly, Jackson, along with Osemele and Hudson form the best interior of any offensive line in the league. Derek Carr scans through progression and take vertical shots with the time allotted. For emphasis, please focus on number 66 in this video and realize how many seconds Carr sits back in the pocket. The Oakland Raiders have a perennial Pro Bowl right guard. Couple with Osemele, they are the best guard tandem in the league.
Ordinarily, Gabe Jackson’s stellar play does the talking. Given that he needs a new contract, RaiderNation needs to see and appreciate what Jackson does every Sunday. There is cap space available. Honestly, if Sean Smith doesn’t regain his previous form, a release resides in his future. That would open up more room for Jackson’s new contract. Reggie McKenzie built the offensive line and seemingly wants to keep the interior intact. As a matter of fact, McKenzie builds from the lines out.
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