J’Marcus Webb started 45 games in the NFL at offensive tackle from 2010 to 2012, but just one over the past two seasons.
After being released from the Bears following the 2012 season, Webb – Chicago’s seventh-round pick out of North Texas in 2010 – bounced between the Vikings and Chiefs the past two seasons before again becoming a free agent this offseason.
Still just 26 years old, Webb now is trying to resurrect his career with the Raiders. And, so far, it seems to be going well.
The 6-foot-7, 335-pounder reportedly looked good during organized team activities (OTAs) and the recent minicamp and often was playing with the first unit at right guard, ahead of veteran Khalif Barnes and fourth-round pick Jon Feliciano of Miami.
Webb signed with the Raiders in April, hoping to land a roster spot under new offensive line coach Mike Tice, for whom he played three seasons in Chicago.
If Webb can stay in good condition, he has a chance to compete for the open job at right guard or to earn a backup spot at both tackle and guard. Last season, he says he wasn’t in good shape when the Chiefs signed him – and he never played a down for them.
“I didn’t have my body right with the Chiefs and now I’ve had time to myself, time to think and I’m definitely amped and excited to be a part of that engine, and the offensive line is where it starts,” he told a writer for the Raiders team website after signing in Oakland. “I want to come in and hit the ground running.”
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New head coach Jack Del Rio indicated recently that he and Tice would like to have offensive linemen who are versatile and can fill a number of roles. Del Rio says by testing Webb at guard, it could be to the benefit of both Webb and the team. Webb never has played guard in an NFL game.
“He’s played guard all spring for us,” Del Rio told SB Nation recently. “He’s really playing four spots. He’s playing both guards and both tackles. We’ll find out how that fits, but he’s one of the guys that’s over there competing on that right side.”
