Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: DT Nesta Jade Silvera, ASU

The Las Vegas Raiders need depth in the interior of the defensive line in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Las Vegas Raiders are in rebuilding mode, and while they have added defensive pieces through free agency, they are still expected to add more via the 2023 NFL Draft.

An area where the Raiders find themselves needing depth this season is the interior of the defensive line.

Defensive Tackle Nesta Jade Silvera, Arizona State

“Silvera is an explosive penetration-style defensive tackle who lacks a high ceiling as a down-to-down pass rusher but displays immense heart and effort every snap,” Draft Bible said of Silvera.

The Arizona Sun Devil transferred from Miami, where he played 41 games with 18 starts.

In his only season in Tempe, Silvera started in 10 of his 12 appearances. He finished the season with 56 tackles (20 solos), tied for first on the team with 4.5 tackles for losses, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and three pass breakups.

The 6-2, the 304-pound defensive lineman was the lone Sun Devil at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine and performed well to get the attention of scouts.

Silvera ran the 40-yard dash in 5.16 seconds (ranked 10th among defensive tackles) and seventh in the 10-yard split with 1.77 seconds.

That quickness he displayed at the combine matched the relentless motor Silvera plays with.

Silvera's tape also showcased his lower body strength, where he could push guards back during pass rushes and get in between the gaps as a run defender.

According to Draft Bible, many scouts would shy away from his growing injury history, dating to his days in Miami. Despite his size and strength, he is often displaced by double teams and struggles to anchor at the point of attack.

Projected as a late Day Two selection, the Raiders could add depth by drafting Silvera and rotating him in as he develops.

The NFL Draft will occur at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo., from Thursday, April 27 to Saturday, April 29. ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network will broadcast all seven rounds.

The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period began at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15. The Raiders are expected to be significant players in the free-agent market this season.

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