The Oakland Raiders are still attempting to figure out their offensive line after starting left tacklet Jared Veldheer is deemed out for the immediate future after having surgery to repair a torn bicep. The Raiders were lacking quality depth in the true tackle position, leaving the team to look towards free agency for a replacement.
Hills spent his first practice in Oakland lining up with the second team on the right side, backing up Khalif Barnes. Hills lacks in experience, but could be good towards the depth issue for the team. He has played in 10 games over five seasons while spending time in Pittsburgh, Denver and Indianapolis. He was released by the Buffalo Bills on Sunday before signing over with Oakland. He was initially a fourth-round draft pick out of Texas in 2008.
The Raiders issues with the offensive line have been ongoing. They drafted rookie Menelik Watson, but so far he has yet to line up with the team during training camp. They lost Veldheer, leaving them with Alex Barron, Barnes and Willie Smith. Tony Bergstrom who normally lines up at guard has also been seeing some playing time at tackle.
Barron was the presumed starter to replace Veldheer, but so far he has struggled to provide quality production on the field. Barron started for the Raiders during the team's second preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. Starting quarterback Matt Flynn was promptly sacked five times for 28 yards. He constantly fell to the pressure of the Saints linebackers, causing head coach Dennis Allen to panic.
Ideally, Menelik Watson would possibly replace Veldheer, but he is a rookie and might not be ready. Watson is also battling a calf injury keeping him out of practice. Allen has remained complimentary of Barron after having a strong offseason. The head coach is counting on offensive line coach Tony Sparano to shape Barron into a valuable replacement for the time being.
The success of starter Matt Flynn is really dependent on the chemistry between the offensive line. Hills will immediately be able to contend for a starting position because at the moment, Oakland does not have too many other options. Barnes is a lock, as is Bergstrom. Barron, Hills and Watson are all in contention to find a spot.
Jumping on the free agent market quickly was smart for Oakland. The pickings were slim, but Sparano can help every jel so maybe the next time Flynn takes a snap, he will not risk getting hit again.
