Raiders go big with Gabe Jackson at No. 81

ALAMEDA — Oakland Raiders General Manager Reggie McKenzie continued to take the best available players  when he picked up offensive guard Gabe Jackson from Mississippi State in round three of the 2014 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-3, 336-pound Jackson, who started all four years in college, was selected 81st overall after Oakland traded down with the Miami Dolphins to get the pick.

The trade gives the Raiders an additional fourth round pick, at No. 116 overall.

According to Raiders director of player personnel, Joey Clinkscales, Jackson stands the chance to come in and compete for a starting gig on day one:

“Gabe is a big, powerful, young man. He’s gives the physicality that we like in the run game, he’s athletic enough, in the pass game, to move. We’re excited to have Gabe.”

After adding three offensive linemen early in the offseason, making Jackson the fourth new road-grater in Oakland. And though the Raiders liked his physicality, Jackson sees some other areas of strength:

“My awareness and the way I use my hands and feet (are my main strengths). Just being alert of what’s going on.”

Jackson was a 52-game starter in the SEC, respected as college football’s best conference. It’s a big reason Oakland liked him, and why Jackson was the highest player on their draft board at that time.

The Raiders added a fourth-round pick, giving them two, before an anticipated three seventh-rounders Saturday.

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