With The First Pick
Fansided

Can Donald Penn move to right tackle in 2018?

By Gabriel Romero

October 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders tackle Donald Penn (72) blocks Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Frank Zombo (51) during the second quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders tackle Donald Penn (72) blocks Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Frank Zombo (51) during the second quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Donald Penn has been one of the NFL’s most dominate Left Tackles since join The Raiders in 2014.

When the 2018 season starts Donald Penn will be 35 years old. He is the undoubted started at Left Tackle. Over the past three seasons Penn has proven that he is still a great player in this league. When the 2018 season ends Penn’s two-year extension will be over.

More from With the First Pick

Penn came from Tampa Bay after nine seasons. He was cut and The Buccaneers thought that was the end of his career. Oakland gave him a chance and he excelled. He became the latest castoff to join The Raiders and have a career rebirth. After the 2015 season he was rewarded with a two-year extension.

In 2016 Penn only allowed one sack all season. He was one, if not the best left tackle in the NFL. Will Penn still play at an elite level to get the then 35 year old tackle one more extension or will he see his time in Oakland come to a close?

He could have another two-year deal or a one-year deal. It all depends on his play during the season. Father time is undefeated and Penn’s time in the NFL will come to the end. The Raiders could extend his career by changing his position.

If Oakland moves Donald Penn to Right Tackle, he will still be a upgrade at what The Raiders have this year at Right Tackle. Another factor is fourth round pick David Sharpe. Sharpe was over-looked in the NFL draft but an exaggerated eye report is what scared teams away. It did not scare Jack Del Rio and The Raiders away. Sharpe protected Del Rio’s son at Florida, so he will trust him to protect Derek Carr.

The only real concern will be Penn’s willingness to move to the right side. The other is Sharpe’s ability to play offensive tackle in the NFL and at a high level. This way The Raiders can keep a Raider Nation favorite on the team. It also keeps the offensive line at a elite level for season to come.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders