Oakland Raiders: Don’t overlook right tackles headed for free agency
The Oakland Raiders have been unable to find a long-term solution at right tackle. Who deserves consideration as a short-term fix during free agency?
Khalif Barnes, Tony Pashos, Austin Howard, Menelik Watson and Marshall Newhouse. The Oakland Raiders have shuffled through several players at right tackle in recent years. Donald Penn and Brandon Parker attempted the fill the void in 2018.
Last offseason, Penn rehabbed a foot injury after undergoing Lisfranc surgery. He suited for four games during the 2018 term because of a concussion and groin injury that landed him on injured reserve.
Through the 2016 campaign, the three-time Pro Bowler seemed indestructible playing in every regular-season and postseason contest until the Raiders’ AFC Wild Card Game in 2017. He’s missed 14 contests over the previous two years.
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Penn also struggled in his move from left to right tackle in 2018, allowing three sacks and nine total pressures, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). If the Raiders plan to keep him on quarterback Derek Carr‘s strong side, his best days are probably behind him.
Parker started three years at North Carolina A&T at left tackle; he also shifted to the right side and the experiment fell flat. In 15 games, which included 12 starts, the rookie offensive lineman surrendered 10 sacks and 43 total pressures, per Pro Football Focus.
Perhaps Parker improves with another full offseason on the right side, but the Raiders shouldn’t go into the year hoping to see vast improvement from a natural left tackle without an experienced player at the position.
In fact, the free-agent pool will feature some veterans who could outright take the job during training camp. Ja’Wuan James and Daryl Williams are names to monitor in March. Both have track records as starters for their current teams.
As a third-round pick, the Raiders will give Parker opportunities to retain his starting job, but it’s possible his learning curve may take longer than expected. He’s playing a new position and didn’t face top-notch competition at an FCS program. The rookie offensive tackle may bulk up during the offseason, but size isn’t his only issue. Parker must also sharpen his technique to maintain balance and footing when matching up against explosive edge-rushers.
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A combination of Penn and Parker on the right side doesn’t seem adequate in pass protection. While it’s unlikely the Raiders phase out the rookie after one year with another right tackle in the upcoming draft, a veteran on a one-year deal could suffice in giving Parker enough time to learn the ins and outs of the position. A season as a backup could help him flourish as a starter in 2020.