Oakland Raiders: 5 Key roster battles to watch during 2019 preseason

Right Guard

Contenders: Denver Kirkland, Jordan Devey

When Jackson went down with an MCL injury, Denver Kirkland and Jordan Devey split first-team reps at right guard.

Raiders fans should remember Kirkland, who occasionally served as the sixth offensive lineman and tight end in the offense under play-caller Bill Musgrave during the 2016 campaign. He’ll have a chance to fill a bigger role with Jackson out for at least the first month of the season.

Devey has played for the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs, starting in 17 out of 39 contests at both guard positions and center.

Barring another acquisition, we’re going to see an even battle between Kirkland and Devey with the better performer through the preseason likely to win the starting job. Again, remember, Cooper could slide over to the right side once Incognito serves his two-game suspension.

The Raiders could also search the free-agent pool or acquire a player via trade before teams finalize their 53-man rosters.

For now, Devey has an edge over Kirkland because of his starting experience. In 2015, with the 49ers, he started nine games out of 15 contests at right guard and allowed 23 total pressures, per Pro Football Focus. Four years later, his time in the league could help him solidify a short-term opening spot on the interior of the Raiders’ front line.

Prediction: Jordan Devey