Raiders rookie scouting report: OL Vadal Alexander

The Raiders seventh round pick may very well end up becoming one of the biggest steals in the entire 2016 NFL Draft. Here is what Vadal Alexander brings to the table and how he will contribute with the Raiders.

Measurables:

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 326 lbs

Arm Length: 35 ¼"

Hand Size: 10 ½"

Awards:

2015: Second-Team All-American, First-Team All-SEC

2014: Second-Team All-SEC

2012: Second-Team Freshman All-American, Freshman All-SEC

Strengths:

Vadal Alexander is a mammoth of an offensive guard that is a near clone to Raiders Gabe Jackson. Entering his third year, Jackson has become one of the top offensive guards in the NFL, and I would not bat an eye if Alexander ends up there in a couple years as well.

Alexander is a mauler in the run game, but also is a productive pass blocker. He offers the Raiders great versatility as he played both offensive tackle and guard while at LSU. This could become extremely valuable as the Raiders offensive line has struggled to stay healthy in the past. Alexander is also very experienced as a four-year starter in one of the toughest conferences in college football.

Weaknesses:

Plain and simple, Jackson's stock plummeted because he ran the slowest 40-yard dash of any offensive lineman, by a long shot. What is interesting is that his 40-yard dash time is identical to Gabe Jackson's time coming out of Mississippi State. Both Jackson and Alexander were written off because of their slow feet.

What he brings to the Raiders:

If it wasn't for the signing of Kelechi Osemele, Vadal Alexander would most likely enter the 2016 season as the Raiders starting right guard. But with both Jackson and Osemele as the starting offensive guards, Alexander will be used as depth.

The Raiders offensive line has struggled to stay healthy, so having a quality plug in player like Alexander is an extremely valuable asset. Overall, Santa Claus gifted the Silver and Black a projected third round player in the seventh round.