Mike Tice calls Raiders' O-line 'biggest, most athletic' he's worked with

Oakland Raiders offensive line coach Mike Tice has high hopes for his group after seeing the progress they've made this offseason.

Tice, who joined the Raiders in January after spending last season with the Atlanta Falcons, shared his thoughts on the offensive line during a recent appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio.

"I'm pretty excited about the group I have to work with," Tice said, according to Raiders.com. "First of all, it's the biggest - I was telling my wife and some friends the other day - it’s the biggest, most athletic group of guys I've worked with before."

Physical attributes aren't the only thing that's stood out to Tice. He also likes the balance between veterans and younger players.

"I think the guys on the offensive side are very impressive," he said. "We have a good blend of older and middle-aged and some younger guys that are going be to rising stars in the league."

One of those rising stars is second-year guard Gabe Jackson, who Tice said has been the most noteworthy lineman to date.

"I think a guy that's had the best offseason of everybody, and that's Gabe Jackson out of Mississippi State," Tice said. "(I've) had some familiarity with him in the Senior Bowl two years ago, when we coached the Senior Bowl when I was in Atlanta, he was on the opposing team and I got to spend some time with him.

"Gabe is a big, athletic, strong - great football background. His dad was a high school football coach. I think he's a rising star. I think he has a chance to be a really good one."