Menelik Watson was a second-round draft pick for the Oakland Raiders. Considered to be full of raw talent, the tackle was expected to immediately stabilize the offensive line and add much needed protection for quarterback Matt Flynn. Watson has instead sat out most of training camp and practice due to a calf injury. However, the rookie will make his debut in the preseason finale and get a "baptism by fire."
Head coach Dennis Allen is throwing Watson right into the fire as he describes. The team plans on running for most of the game on Thursday night, in an effort to get him as much experience as possible. Watson has not taken a snap yet for the Raiders and Allen is anxious to see what kind of talent the kid can bring a struggling offensive line.
The left tackle position has been a bit of a headache for the Raiders. Starter Jared Veldheer went down with a torn triceps muscle early in training camp, leaving a big hole to fill on the offensive line. Oakland has been trying to give Alex Barron a chance at earning the starting spot, but so far that has not worked out well. Barron has struggled in preseason games, giving up six sacks against the New Orleans Saints. While he does have NFL experience, the rookie might turn out to be the better option.
"The question is whether or not time is on your side in getting a good evaluation, and the only way we're going to get that evaluation is to let him play," Sparano said, via the Contra Costa Times News.
Time is certainly the biggest issue for Watson. The rookie does not have a large amount of experience dating back to college. He only had 19 starts between his time at Saddleback College and Florida State. Most of those games were spent on the right side and not the left side, where he is now.
Sparano is confident that despite Watson's lack of experience, he can become a real productive member of the team. The offensive line coach is confident he can break Watson of the few bad habits that he has in time for the season to start.
Watson will play with both the first team and the second team during the preseason finale. His athleticism was why the team drafted him in the first place. If the rookie can make an immediate impact, he will be the best option on the left tackle side over Barron.
