Oakland Raiders: Examining strengths, concerns going into 2018 season

Concern: Perimeter Pass Protection

For the most part, the Raiders kept their offensive core in place, but the new coaching regime tinkered with the premium positions on the offensive line. Albeit, the team needed a new right tackle to replace Marshall Newhouse, but the left tackle spot sparked some discussion.

Donald Penn put together back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons then underwent Lisfranc foot surgery, which likely prompted the decision to trade back and select Kolton Miller with the No. 15 overall pick in April’s draft.

Nonetheless, the Raiders didn’t offer flexibility at left tackle. Miller started at both perimeter spots at UCLA, but the Raiders lined him up, nearly exclusively, on the blind side. That decision pushed Penn to the right, where he’s inexperienced.

So, Penn is 35 years old coming off foot surgery and playing at a position that’s fairly new to him—sounds like a bad combination. What about the backup options?

The Raiders waived David Sharpe who lined up at both tackle positions during the last two preseasons. Swing tackle T.J. Clemmings struggled mightily in pass protection in his first two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and only appeared in two games with the Washington Redskins in 2017. Justin Murray hasn’t played in a single regular-season game since going undrafted in 2016.

Perhaps you’ve considered Brandon Parker as a potential replacement in case Penn struggled to make the transition. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), the rookie didn’t take a single snap at right tackle during the preseason and started three years at North Carolina A&T on the left side. So essentially, the Raiders drafted a backup left tackle in the third round. Again, not good.

In order for Carr to reach his maximum potential, he needs solid pass protection. But it seems the Raiders’ personnel decisions could put him in harm’s way. If Miller doesn’t develop quickly on the blind side and Penn struggles at his new position, tight end Lee Smith should be on the field blocking on a majority of offensive snaps. 

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