Oakland Raiders meeting with former guard Kevin Boothe

Still waiting on the word from Donald Penn after a visit before the weekend, the Oakland Raiders are continuing their quest to find offensive line talent and depth in the wake of Jared Veldheer’s departure on Monday as they will be meeting with a former member of the Silver and Black offensive line from the Art Shell days in an attempt to add more veteran experience to the trenches.

Raiders beat writer Jerry McDonald reported Monday morning that Fox Sports has confirmed that former Raiders and New York Giants guard Kevin Boothe will be meeting with the team today.

From McDonald:

"Kevin Boothe, an eight-year veteran who started his career as a rookie starting guard with the Raiders, is visiting the facility in Alameda, according to a Fox Sports report.Boothe, 30, has 62 NFL starts, including all 32 games the past two seasons with the New York Giants. Boothe started 14 games as a rookie sixth-round draft pick out of Cornell under Art Shell in 2006, but was cut the following season when the Raiders switched from a power and gap scheme to a zone scheme under Lane Kiffin and line coach Tom Cable.Oakland’s offseason moves have zeroed in on tackles, with Austin Howard signing and Donald Penn visiting. Boothe would provide competition inside for right guard Mike Brisiel and left guard Khalif Barnes."

The news of Boothe’s visit should ease some of the concerns amongst Raider Nation of what the team’s backup plan will be should Penn choose to sign elsewhere after living the Bay Area without a deal before the weekend. If the team can land Boothe they will have further depth and flexibility along the line, keeping their options open for the draft should they be unable to find a starting left tackle option in free agency. Boothe was the 46th ranked guard by Pro Football Focus in 2013, just one spot below Kyle Long and two spots below current Raider Brisiel so while his impact wouldn’t be grabbing the big headlines it would still be one that would be a solid pick up for Reggie McKenzie as he looks to provide well respected offensive line guru Tony Sparano with the right tools to get the job done in 2014.