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With the ‘skill position' players all getting their Poll Position treatment, we move to the offensive line. We start with the offensive tackles to take a look at what kind of need the Raiders have at the position. Here are the offensive tackles currently on the roster
Donald Penn
Signed off the scrap heap from the Buccaneers last off-season and was the savior of the Raiders offensive line with the departure of Jared Veldheer. Penn played at a very high level at the left tackle position, although he will be 32 in April. He signed a two-year deal with the team and there are no guarantees he will continue to perform at such a high level to warrant a new contract after this season at the age of 33.
Menelik Watson
Was the Raiders' second round pick in 2013. After missing most of his rookie season to injury, he again struggled with injuries last season. Even when he was healthy, the Raiders opted for Khalif Barnes at right tackle and Gabe Jackson at left guard until Jackson was injured and Barnes had to cover for him, prompting Watson to start. No way to know whether he is the answer at right tackle or if he can even manage to stay healthy. He had just one season of division one college football experience before being declaring for the NFL draft.
Khalif Barnes
Signed a one-year extension, his seventh one-year deal in a row with the Raiders. He is versatile enough to play every position on the line except center. He tends to struggle if he has to jump into a role or switch positions during the season or during a game. But if he can spend camp or preseason at the same position, he can hold his own. Not the ideal starter, and he will be 33 in April so eventually the Raiders will need to find a suitable replacement for his services.
Matt McCants (UFA)
Doesn't play much. He started some games at right tackle two seasons ago as an undrafted rookie and did well. Typically he comes into games in jumbo packages.
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