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Why Menelik Watson Has Everything to Prove in Oakland Raiders Training Camp

Bleacher Report | July 29, 2015

Related Topics: Boxing at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games, Oakland Raiders, Khalif Barnes, Mike Mayock, National Football League

The top of the Oakland Raiders' 2013 draft class stands on shaky ground heading into the 2015 NFL season.

Most eyeballs will be fixated on cornerback D.J. Hayden (No. 12 overall), but offensive tackle Menelik Watson (No. 42 overall) should also garner moderate expectations. Watson was unable to sustain momentum in his second year after an injury-riddled rookie campaign.

Watson played 12 games and started nine in 2014, alternating with offensive tackle Khalif Barnes on the right side of the offensive line:

Menelik Watson vs. Khalif Barnes at Right Tackle in 2014
Player Snaps Sacks Allowed Hurries Allowed Penalties/Overturned
Khalif Barnes 507 4 13 3/0
Menelik Watson 496 2 21 6/2

Watson must address two problems during the offseason: hand placement and footwork.

See full article at Bleacher Report