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Starters: Kolton Miller, Brandon Parker
Backups: Donald Penn, David Sharpe, Justin Murray, Jamar McGloster
Free Agents: TJ Clemmings
Technically, Donald Penn was the starter to begin next season, but was injured in week four and lost for the season. This had Brandon Parker stepping in at right tackle, ready or not. And he was not.
Between Parker and left tackle Kolton Miller, the Raiders couldn’t stop anyone. Derek Carr was under pressure almost constantly. Some 30 of the 52 sacks the Raider gave up were surrendered by Miller and Parker.
Miller suffered a knee injury in week four which he couldn’t fully recover from because he was kept in as the starter every week for lack of other options. His insertion as the starter from day one suggests he is Gruden’s long term plan at left tackle. Parker wasn’t supposed to step in immediately and there’s no indication the 3rd round pick will ever be the long term answer.
Former fourth round pick David Sharpe was at one time this offseason in the thick of the competition at tackle. But he kept disappointing and ultimately was waived. He spent two games with the Texans before he was waived again and re-signed with the Raiders where he spent the final 8 games of last season.
Condition: Serious
There is simply no way the Raiders can go into next season with the group of tackles they have now. Miller was terrible, but will be given another chance to see how he plays healthy and with some bulk and a season under his belt. Donald Penn is about to turn 36, coming off three-straight season-ending injuries and is due $7.2 million next season with just $1.75 million in dead money if cut, making his release seem likely. They simply must add someone who can step in and start at right tackle next season.
Poll
What condition do you think the Raiders tackle position is in?
This poll is closed
-
0%
Strong
-
4%
Stable
-
23%
Unstable
-
28%
Serious
-
42%
Critical
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