The starting tackles are unquestioned in Las Vegas; the left tackle will be Kolton Miller and the right tackle is Trent Brown. Brown in particular has not been practicing yet. We are five practices in six days into camp and he has yet to be seen on the practice field.
In his place has been veteran tackle Sam Young, stepping into the role in his first season with the team.
“Sam Young is a salty veteran,” Gruden said Monday of Young. “He’s an experienced swing tackle. He’s played tight end at times. He’s a pro football player. And he’s going to compete for the third tackle job and right now he’s making a good impression.”
The 33-year-old tackle has bounced around the league in his 12-year career. A 6th round pick by the Cowboys in 2010, he has since played for the Bills, Jaguars, Dolphins, and 49ers, appearing in a total of 92 games with 21 starts. You don’t get that kind of career, even if you’re not a regular starter, without doing something right.
It speaks well of Young that he has worked with the first team for what looks like the moment Brown was not out there. Especially considering the other two contenders for the Raiders swing tackle job are both returning.
Last season the swing tackle job bounced between former Raiders draft picks Brandon Parker and David Sharpe. When Brown was lost to injury, they split the starts in his stead. Neither distinguished himself in the job. As a result, a veteran has come in and jumped ahead of them for that job.
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