How the Raiders Can Build the Defensive Line

The Las Vegas Raiders need to fortify their defensive front with youth -- they can look to the NFL Draft.

Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham (DL11) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders re-signed Adam Butler and will look to have another strong defensive front in 2025.

One way they can bolster the unit is through the upcoming NFL Draft; there is plenty of talent in the interior this year, and Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema's top 300 big board is a tell-tale sign of such depth.

4. Mason Graham, Michigan

Sikkema: "Graham has shorter-than-ideal arms for an NFL interior defensive lineman, but outside of that, there is a lot to love. He is fast, violent and relentless, and he can stop the run with great strength. He brings a high floor at all times and a high ceiling in flashes as a 3-technique defensive tackle for a 4-3 front."

17. Kenneth Grant, Michigan

Sikkema: "Grant brings a rare combination of quickness and size to the nose tackle position. He has the strength to dominate single blocks and hold up against doubles. When he's in attack mode, he is an imposing player — I just wish we saw that aggressive mindset more consistently."

23. Walter Nolen, Ole Miss

Sikkema: "Nolen isn't the most polished interior defender, but he might be among the most physically gifted. If he continues to grow in his pre-snap plan and hand usage, he can be an impactful, versatile defensive tackle with a high floor due to his strength in run defense."

30. Derrick Harmon, Oregon

Sikkema: "Harmon has just one year of notable production, but that season showcased a player with a high football IQ, consistent competitiveness and NFL-level quickness. He can be an effective 3-technique defensive lineman for an even front."

32. Darius Alexander, Toledo

Sikkema: "Alexander was lightly recruited and was a late bloomer in college football (will be 25 in his rookie season), but his measurables and strength are NFL-caliber. He is a contributing NFL defensive lineman at worst due to his strength profile, with starting caliber impact potential in odd and even fronts."

36. TJ Sanders, South Carolina

Sikkema: "Sanders is a true 3-technique who wins with linear and lateral quickness to shoot gaps and disrupt. He must improve his hand precision and play strength to be a full-time starter. At worst, he is a contributing rotational 3-technique."

37. Tyleik Williams, Ohio State

Sikkema: "Williams is a compact and powerful interior defensive lineman who excels at holding the line of scrimmage. His lack of pass-rush production makes nose tackle his best projection, likely as a Day 2 selection."

55. Shemar Turner, Texas A&M

Sikkema: "Turner played at just about every spot on Texas A&M‘s defensive line, thanks to his active, violent hands and unwavering effort. He has some length and overall size limitations but feels like a guy an NFL coaching staff will push for on Day 2 of the draft."

61. Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee

Sikkema: "Norman-Lott possesses more NFL potential than his snap counts and stats say; look at his grades and win rates for a clearer picture. He is an athletically gifted, undersized 3-technique who with better hand usage and pass-rush plans can be a contributing starter."

69. CJ West, Indiana

Sikkema: "West is on the shorter side (length) but has good size (mass) and burst as a nose tackle who can have strong reps in run defense and some surprisingly impactful reps as a pass-rusher. If he can keep his pad level down, he can be a contributing rotational player in the NFL, preferably in a 4-3 front."

71. Alfred Collins, Texas

Sikkema: "Collins is a long, strong interior defensive lineman with the versatility to play anywhere from 0-technique to 5-technique. His pass-rush profile and inability to disengage quickly limit his ceiling, but his versatility and strength give him a high floor. He projects as a rotational player with starting potential."

78. Vernon Broughton, Texas

Sikkema: "Broughton needs to refine his hand placement and technique to become a more effective one-on-one winner at the next level. However, even in his current form, his length and strength provide valuable versatility as a two-gapping defensive lineman, with his best fit likely coming as a 3-4 defensive end."

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