Preview and Prediction: Oakland Raiders at Baltimore Ravens

Sep 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) catches a touchdown pass in front of Baltimore Ravens strong safety Will Hill (33) in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 37-33. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders guard Vadal Alexander (74) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Vadal Alexander Will Determine the Raiders’ Offensive Success

With offensive tackles Menelik Watson and Austin Howard both out with injuries, rookie seventh-round pick Vadal Alexander will likely earn his first career start over Matt McCants at right tackle on Sunday.

Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio highlighted that both Alexander and McCants each took a lot of reps with the first team throughout the week, but after seeing Alexander’s performance in limited action against Tennessee, it’s likely that Del Rio pushes Alexander to the top of the depth chart.

The former LSU product earned the fourth highest offensive grade (73.9) for Oakland after coming in for an injured Watson in the second quarter against Tennessee.

With Suggs and Dumervil pinning their ears back off the edge, Alexander’s first career start could turn from an outstanding achievement to an absolute nightmare if he isn’t prepared for a dogfight.

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