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Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The left side of Oakland's offensive line is solid heading into 2015. The exact opposite is true on the right side. Austin Howard, last year's starting right guard, has been moved back to his more natural position of right tackle. That doesn't show a lot of faith in Menelik Watson, who's yet to secure the starting role he was brought in to fill.

The Candidates

Austin Howard Menelik Watson 6'7" Height 6'5" 330 pounds. Weight 315 pounds. 28 Age 26 6th season Experience 3rd season 52 Games Played 17

Howard: After turning into an effective two-year starter at right tackle for the New York Jets, the Raiders signed Howard to a 5-year, $30 million deal in 2014—to play right guard. Howard gradually improved his play at the position, but it was an unsuccessful move overall.

When Jack Del Rio took over as head coach, one of his first decisions was to move Howard back to the outside to compete for the starting job. Howard's scheduled to make $6.4 million this upcoming season. That's starter money, not backup money, which means that Howard could very well be competing not just for a starting spot, but for his job.

Watson: Watson was Oakland's second-round pick in the 2013 draft, and he was brought in to permanently take over at right tackle. But that hasn't come close to happening in two years. He spent most of his rookie year dealing with injuries. Last season, he was given the job once again, but his play was disappointing, and he was unable to secure the job.

It was understood when Watson came out of college that he was something of a project. He was raw, and he needed to be coached up and gain some more experience. His development since entering the NFL has been too slow, and he still struggles with positioning and recognition. 2015 might be his last chance to earn the starting job.

Projected Starter: Howard

In 2014, after two years in the NFL, Watson still looked somewhat confused and unsure at times while on the field. He has the physical tools, but he still looks like a deer in the headlights when blocking. Given the minimal development he showed in the first two years, there isn't much hope that he'll make a significant jump from year two to year three.

That's not to say that Howard will get the job by default. While not spectacular, Howard is a very solid NFL right tackle. He's reliable and effective. What Oakland needs from its offensive line is dependability down after down, and Howard can help make that happen. Howard isn't going to wow anyone at the position. But he will do the one thing the Raiders need him to do: get the job done.

Barring a huge jump in development from Watson, Howard should win the starting job rather comfortably.