The idea of moving Donald Penn to right tackle was met with a few critics, but according to offensive coordinator Greg Olson, Penn’s transition to the right side is going particularly well.
“He has had a good week,” Offensive coordinator Greg Olson told NBC Sports Bay Area. “He really looked very natural from the first day we put him out there. That was extremely encouraging because he hasn’t played that position much throughout his career. I think we still have to get him in shape. He’s working after practice and the conditioning staff has done a good job with that.”
Penn may be moving away from his natural position, but this isn’t the first time the Raiders have asked Penn to move to the right side. After an injury to Menelik Watson in 2016, Penn played a portion of one game at right tackle and gave up no pressures on 18 pass-block snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
The real uncertainty along the Raiders offensive line may have more to do with the left side. Will Kolton Miller be up to the task of protecting Derek Carr’s blind side?
Miller played well in limited action against Detroit in the first preseason game, but didn’t face anyone to the level of what the AFC West will offer this year. Miller has improved his pass-blocking technique in the months since the draft, but is obviously still learning. So expect Gruden to give the rookie plenty of blocking help in pass protection this year – and that means Penn will be asked to win even more one-on-ones than usual.
Fortunately, it sounds like Donald’s going to be up to the challenge.
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