The Raiders search for the right tackle is expected to culminate in their 2018 first-round pick moving to … well … right tackle.
As soon as the legal tempering period began, Oakland made another big-splash addition, agreeing to terms with free agent offensive lineman Trent Brown on a four-year, $66-million ($36.75 million guaranteed) pact. That makes Brown the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history — on average alone — and you do not pay a right tackle that kind of coin.
Quick Profile
The 6-foot-8, 380-pound Brown (25 years old) is fully expected to supplant Kolton Miller at the left tackle spot. Miller (23), also 6-8 and 300-plus pounds, was taken with the 15th overall pick last season and operated the left gig all last season. This after head coach Jon Gruden recently said Miller would be a Pro Bowl left tackle for years to come.
Tired of seeing quarterback Derek Carr being pancaked to the turf, Tom Cable and the Raiders are surely hoping to maintain the performance Brown showed as a Patriot. Prior to his stint in New England, Brown was more flash than substance. He had bouts of pure dominance sprinkled in with mediocrity. With Bill Belichick, Brown was a dominant force who kept Tom Brady’s jersey clean. He especially shined in the postseason.
Concern
However, as we’ve seen before, playing outside of the confines of the Patriot Ways doesn’t always bode well for players.
Still, it’s hard to ignore a tackle who is as big as Brown but can move extremely well on their feet. Carr will have two tall titans at the tackle bookends and both can get up and go with swift feet.
Reality
In an AFC West littered with imposing pass rushers, getting a large and nimble left tackle is necessary. Moreover, moving Miller to his collegiate position of right tackle should pay dividends as well.
Otherwise, that’s a lot of money sunk into the left tackle spot and prime draft capital wasted on right tackle.
Raiders General Manager Mike Mayock and Gruden have been busy for the last few days. Trent’s arrival in Silver and Black comes at the heels of all-world wide receiver Antonio Brown’s acquisition this past Sunday. In fact, the Raiders have negotiated with the clients of Drew Rosenhaus and the super agent brought in $120 million total — if each player sees the life of their respective contracts — for Brown and Brown.
