2 offensive line spots left on the All-2000s team
We’re getting close to having the five offensive linemen for the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders 2000s All-Quarter Century Team settled, with the right guard spot up for grabs in today’s poll.
Since left tackle, left guard and center are already up, we’ll be 80 percent of the way done with the o-line after settling in on a right guard, leaving right tackle as the last open position offensively.
The nominees at right guard are: Frank Middleton, Cooper Carlisle and Gabe Jackson.
As a reminder, the offensive line positions will have one representative from each side of the center (left or right) rather than just two guards in general. So, just like tackle and unlike our wide receiver poll, the two losers here will not get a second chance and will be left off the team. Keep that in mind as you cast your vote, and that makes your vote even more important!
Frank Middleton
Photo by JOHN MOTTERN/AFP via Getty Images
Raiders Stats: 46 games, 42 starts (four seasons)
Accolades: none
Middleton did the reverse Jon Gruden, if you will, beginning his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for four years before signing with the Raiders in 2001. He proved to be a reliable starter during the 2001 and 2002 playoff teams, helping guide the NFL’s Nos. 4 and 2 offense, respectively.
Cooper Carlisle
Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Raiders Stats: 95 games, 95 starts (6 seasons)
Accolades: none
Carlisle spent his entire 13-year career in the AFC West, playing for the Denver Broncos from 2000 to 2006 before signing with the Raiders in free agency. While his tenure in Oakland didn’t include much winning, he was one of a few bright spots on some bad teams. Carlisle missed just one game in six seasons and fared well in Pro Football Focus’ grading system, earning above-average marks every year and topping out at 81.7 in 2008. Also, he never gave up more than four sacks in an entire season despite being on the field so much (6,144 total snaps).
Gabe Jackson
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Raiders Stats: 100 games, 99 starts (7 seasons)
Accolades: none
While Jackson never received any individual postseason recognition, his tenure with the Silver and Black was certainly memorable. The 2014 third-round pick was part of one of the best draft classes in franchise history, and he proved to be very reliable in pass protection. Per PFF, he surrendered one or zero sacks in five out of seven seasons with the Raiders. Additionally, Jackson was a key member of the highly-regarded 2016 offensive line, moving from left guard to the right side to make way for Kelechi Osemele. That also means the Mississippi State product was a key player on the team that ended the Raiders’ playoff drought.
So, which offensive lineman are you going with for the right guard spot on the Raiders’ 2000s All-Quarter Century Team?
Vote in the poll below and sound off in the comments section with your reasoning. If you don’t have a commenting account already, you’ll need to create one but the steps are pretty easy and it’s a seamless process. Also, we have full-time moderators to enforce the Community Guidelines. Sign up and go to the comments section.