Oakland Raiders: Brandon Parker could move inside

Brandon Parker started at right tackle for the Oakland Raiders as a rookie in 2018, but he could find himself on the inside in Year 2.

During the 2018 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders brought in two offensive tackles with early picks, selecting Kolton Miller in the first round, and then Brandon Parker in the third. Both players were forced into starting roles on the Raiders offensive line in year one, and while Miller will remain at tackle in Year 2, Parker could be making a move elsewhere.

Speaking with the media during OTAs, Gruden spoke about Parker, and that he could in fact move inside and be the left guard in 2019. Of course, that was just coach speaking, but after drafting him in the third round last year, the organization is likely hopeful that he can get on the field in some capacity.

As a rookie in 2018, Parker looked very overmatched as the team’s starting right tackle, a position he was thrown into. Kolton Miller, another rookie last season, started on the left side, but when Donald Penn was injured, the team had to call on Parker to fill the role.

That led to Derek Carr being sacked 51 times.

Denzelle Good is going to get the first crack at left guard this summer, as he was with the first unit when the offense took their first snaps during OTAs. He has all the talent to be a starter in this league, but he will have competition, including Parker, Lester Cotton Sr., and Jordan Devey.

Of course, the Raiders brought in a ton of offensive weapons this offseason, but this unit will only be good if the guys up front can keep Carr off his back. Parker has the size to play inside, and is a fantastic athlete, and he just may be suited as a guard at the NFL level, though he is still very young.