The redemption of Robert Gallery

September 27, 1:24 AMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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When the Oakland Raiders selected Robert Gallery with the second overall pick in the 2006 draft, much of the Raider Nation believed that the Raiders were now set at left tackle for the next decade. Others were upset that the Raiders drafted an offensive lineman instead of Ben Rothlesburger, Sean Taylor, or Larry Fitzgerald. 

Gallery didn't get installed as a left tackle until his third season, spending the time before that at a combination of left guard and right tackle. Gallery's debut at left tackle was atrocious, and he became one of the most hated players ever to wear the Silver and Black. The entire line was a disaster in that 2006 season, as they gave up 72 sacks and the Raiders had no ground game.

For many in the Raider Nation, Gallery became the personification of the Raiders struggles over the last several years. The mantra was "Al Davis keeps drafting these busts like Gallery." "The Raiders can't draft, just look at Gallery."

At the time he was selected, Gallery was considered a can't miss prospect and every single expert said that he was a great pick for the Raiders. What changed between 2004 and 06? Its very simple, Robert Gallery was a victim of the Raiders coaching carousel. In his first two years in Oakland he went from a zone blocking scheme to a man blocking scheme both under Norv Turner, then under Art Shell and offensive line coaches Irv Eatman and Jackie Slater he was taught a no-blocking scheme. 

In 2007 the Raiders hired much heralded offensive line coach Tom Cable. Cable and head coach Lane Kiffin moved Gallery inside to left guard and he flourished under Cable's tutelage. Much of the Raiders rushing success has been to the left side behind #76. The word bust that had become part of his name had started to disappear from the verbiage of the Nation.

Thus far in 2008, Robert Gallery has been the Raiders best offensive lineman. He has not yet been called for a penalty, has opened holes for the Raiders vaunted running game, and been able to improve the protection of Russell. The best compliment that can be paid to an offensive lineman is that you forget he is there because his name is never called. That is what Gallery has been thus far this season.

Gallery was never allowed to develop into the left tackle he was expected to become with the coaching carousel, scheme and system changes, but he has instead become one of the better left guards in the game. If he is allowed to continue in the same type of blocking system and position he may well evolve into a Pro Bowler at his position.