Oakland Raiders: 5 Most important 2017 training camp battles

4. Strengthening the chain

Red rover, red rover, send a right tackle on over. With the other four spots on the offensive line held down by Pro Bowlers, what may be the best offensive line in football is holding auditions to shore up the weakest link.

Rodney Hudson didn’t allow a single QB pressure in 2016, and the guard duo of Kelechi Osemele and Gabe Jackson didn’t allow a single sack in over 1,000 snaps. Unfortunately, the only sack Donald Penn allowed in 2016 was the one that Carr broke his ankle on. The right tackle position is a key component in this offense as this player will see the very best pass rushers the league has to offer.

While there are many youthful options available on the roster as well as a couple older veterans, there are many things this football team can do to aid its tackle. Lee Smith returning and the addition of Jared Cook will help. Both are superior blockers and can lend aid in the form of a chip, or a good old fashioned double team, or a chuck, to force the edge defender back into the tackle, thus making his job easier.

Vadal Alexander will be healthy and have a year of NFL experience under his belt. David Sharpe is a massive mountain of a man and, while he may be under Penn’s wing, his services may be needed on the right side. Austin Howard has not been very impressive in his play on the field he is also entering a very cuttable portion of his contract and he needs to play for his job. Marshall Newhouse is a free agent signing from the New York Giants, known to be wildly inconsistent on the field. Newhouse is the best option in terms of pass protection.

If I had to handicap this race I would say look for Alexander to nudge out the field but Newhouse could just need a change of scenery and a superior offensive line coach may be just what the Dr. ordered.