Oakland Raiders: Start David Sharpe after losing Donald Penn
After placing left tackle Donald Penn on injured reserve, it’s time to evaluate the talent behind him on the depth chart.
The Oakland Raiders placed Pro Bowl left tackle Donald Penn on injured reserve after he suffered a foot injury in the previous outing against the Dallas Cowboys. At 6-8, it’s time to test the depth and potential long-term starter in David Sharpe.
Despite a microscopic chance at clinching a postseason berth, Oakland should go into roster evaluation mode. Penn’s absence allows the coaching staff to see what they have behind the 34-year-old who still has two years left on his deal after an offseason extension, per Spotrac.
In a pre-emptive decision to restock the position, general manager Reggie McKenzie drafted two offensive tackles. He selected Sharpe in the fourth round and Jylan Ware in the seventh round. Both made the 53-man roster but neither has played more than five snaps on offense.
The team activated Sharpe for three contests, but he only played three snaps in Week 13 against the New York Giants.
Now with the position open, the Raiders can insert the rookie at either or both perimeter spots to see where he fits on the offensive line.
More from Las Vegas Raiders
- 5 NFL teams that will definitely disappoint fans in 2023
- 3 Players the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders gave up on way too early
- 2024 NFL Draft: Who picks at the top of the draft in April?
- NFL Predictions: 5 Teams that will be drafting a quarterback in 2024
- 5 NFL Head Coaches that could be fired by the end of the 2023 season
Feasting on Derek Carr’s Blindside
There’s one issue with tossing Sharpe, a rookie, into the fray at left tackle. The Raiders will face the Philadelphia Eagles who field a talented group of pass-rushers led by Brandon Graham who’s recorded 9.5 sacks in 14 games. Typically, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox applies pressure on the inside, but first-rounder Derek Barnett has five sacks rushing off the edge.
In the regular-season finale, the fourth-rounder would face Los Angeles Chargers pass rushers Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. The duo has 21.5 combined sacks.
Sharpe wouldn’t have a soft introduction into the league. However, Oakland could also move Marshall Newhouse to left tackle and allow the Florida product to start at right tackle over Vadal Alexander.
When McKenzie drafted the 6-5, 357-pound tackle, many thought he’d eventually replace Penn in a few years, especially during the veteran’s offseason holdout. Nonetheless, the coaching staff opted to shift Newhouse and allow Sharpe and Ware to take preseason snaps at right tackle.
Long-Term Outlook
Now, in games that actually count, the Raiders can found out how the offensive line performs without Penn in case he’s not the same player in 2018. It’s important to give quarterback Derek Carr solid pass protection, but he’s not going to see No. 72 in Pro Bowl form on his left in the near future.
Overall, offensive line coach Mike Tice has done a satisfactory job protecting the franchise quarterback. He’s only been sacked 17 times in 13 appearances. Obviously, Tice wouldn’t throw Sharpe out to the wolves if he didn’t feel comfortable with the rookie’s ability to protect the passer. However, the potential long-term starter should see increased reps as an unknown talent.
Next: NFL Christmas 2017: One gift each team wants under their tree
McKenzie could use an early draft pick on a cornerback or inside linebacker rather than an offensive tackle if his fourth-rounder fares well on the left or right perimeter spot in the next two games.