Oakland Raiders: 5 best offensive players heading into the bye

Though it has been a down year to some extent for the Raiders’ offense, its three best players along the offensive line are doing just fine. The first guy we will highlight for having a solid first half is everybody’s favorite left guard Kelechi Osemele.

According to Pro Football Focus, Osemele has a 78.0 overall grade through nine games. While he has been better than average in pass blocking with an 82.2 overall grade, he has been slightly below average in terms of run blocking at 72.2.

From the looks of it, switching from power to zone has had the most negative effects on the Raiders’ guards than any position. While Osemele is playing good, but not great ball like last year, right guard Gabe Jackson has really struggled to make the adjustment. Do keep in mind that Jackson has had to deal with a number of injuries as well.

Though Osemele is not on pace to be an All-Pro this year, he could improve as the season progresses to get back to being Pro Bowl caliber. Oakland needs him to continue to play with that signature mean streak of his if it wants to make the playoffs. While Osemele has been rock solid at pass pro, a bump up in run blocking by him could be exactly what gets the Raiders’ ground game over the top.