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Oakland Raiders: Examining next steps in Donald Penn contract dispute

By Maurice Moton

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 30: Tackle Donald Penn #72 of the Oakland Raiders stares into the stands after catching a touchdown pass in the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to tie the game at 10-10 at Raymond James Stadium on October 30, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 30: Tackle Donald Penn #72 of the Oakland Raiders stares into the stands after catching a touchdown pass in the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to tie the game at 10-10 at Raymond James Stadium on October 30, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 22: Donald Penn
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 22: Donald Penn /

Would the Raiders Move Penn to Right Tackle?

The offensive line has an open spot at right tackle. There’s a competition for the starting role that includes David Sharpe, Brandon Parker and Breno Giacomini. Is it feasible to think Penn could simply shift to the opposite side with Miller at left tackle?

It’s not ideal for a 12th-year veteran who’s spent his entire professional career on the left side. Teams value swing tackles capable of playing both ends, but New York Giants offensive line coach Hal Hunter points out, it’s a tough transition (h/t New York Post reporter Paul Schwartz:

Hunter isn’t a newbie to offensive line play. He’s coached the position for decades, dating back to his collegiate days when instructing Pittsburgh’s front line in 1983. The longtime position coach held the same role with the then-San Diego Chargers (2006-11), Indianapolis Colts (2013-15), Cleveland Browns (2016) and now the Giants.

Obviously, Penn has a proven track record as an effective pro, and Flowers struggled at his natural position on the blind side. Nonetheless, Hunter’s golf analogy suggests it’s not an easy plug-in move for a player accustomed to lining up on one side.

Secondly, the Raiders selected Parker in the third round of the draft. He took consistent reps at right tackle during practices. As a Day 2 prospect, he’s going to have every opportunity to earn a starting role like Miller on the left side.

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It’s simply too late in the process for Penn to suddenly pick up as a starter on the opposite end. Miller actually started 10 games at right tackle between his freshman and sophomore years at UCLA before starting 13 contests on the left as a junior. It would’ve made more sense to give him early reps on both sides, but the Raiders decided to keep him almost exclusively on the left.

Miller will either start at left tackle or sit behind the incumbent for a year. Penn either goes into the 2018 season as the starting blindside tackle or lands with a new team this summer. Ultimately, the rookie seemingly controls both their futures. If he performs well and doesn’t look overwhelmed in the next couple of weeks, the Raiders hold all the leverage over Penn.

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