Las Vegas Raiders legend Donald Penn likes what he sees in the current O-line, but he’s challenging them to be “tougher” and “nastier.”
As the Las Vegas Raiders gear up for the 2025 regular season, a well-known figure provides insight into one of the team’s most crucial units: the offensive line.
Former Pro Bowl left tackle Donald Penn, who anchored the Silver and Black’s line from 2014 to 2018, had high praise for franchise cornerstone Kolton Miller but made it clear the rest of the group needs to take another step.
What does Donald Penn expect from the Raiders O-line?
“Kolton Miller is still doing a great job,” Penn said via Vegas Sports Today. “But I want to see the offensive line get a little tougher, enforce ourselves more & protect our guys. We need to be a little tougher, a little nastier.”
The comments reflect a growing theme surrounding the Raiders this offseason. Head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly have energized the fanbase with their fast-paced, versatile system. However, the success of this new attack will hinge on performance in the trenches.
Miller has consistently provided a solid presence on the blind side, but there are lingering questions about the rest of the line. Young right tackle Thayer Munford is still working to achieve consistency, and the interior unit has yet to fully prove itself as a dominant force.
Penn’s words carry weight. During his five seasons in Oakland, he set the tone for physical play, protecting quarterbacks Derek Carr and Matt McGloin while clearing lanes for the run game. What is his current message? The Raiders need that same edge back.
If Las Vegas aims to compete in a highly competitive AFC West, having toughness up front may be the key factor. With the season opener approaching rapidly, the offensive line has an opportunity to validate Penn’s confidence in them—or demonstrate that they are prepared to establish their own standard. Either way, the unit will be one of the most scrutinized on the Raiders this season.
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