PFF Recap: Grading the Oakland Raiders in Week 5

Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass against the San Diego Chargers in the third quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

5 of 6

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 Improving at Right Tackle

Raiders rookie right tackle Vadal Alexander noticeably struggled against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4, allowing the pressure of his first career start to force him to several pre-snap errors and some poor blocks against the Ravens’ edge rushers.

In his second career start, Alexander displayed dramatic improvement.

The seventh-round pick out of LSU performed beyond his pay grade, as he committed zero penalties and prevented San Diego’s edge defenders from dominating his side of the line of scrimmage.

Alexander earned a 79.3 overall grade, good for the Raiders’ third highest offensive grade, per PFF.com.

Earning the nod over Raiders veteran tackle Austin Howard, Alexander could continue to see snaps in the starting lineup even after Oakland’s Week 1 starter Menelik Watson returns from injury if he keeps this pace.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders News