Raiders Veteran DTs Have Stepped Up

The Las Vegas Raiders have gotten valuable production out of their veteran defensive tackle group.

The Las Vegas Raiders have experienced a defensive turnaround this season.

In 2022, the Raiders could not keep opposing offenses from moving the ball them. They could not stop the run or the pass, and did not pressure the quarterback or finish with many sacks.

This season, that has all changed. Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham has orchestrated a significant improvement out of this unit in his second season calling the defense.

Graham acquired some good talent on that side of the ball, but also was able to bring in his players. Graham’s system, a primarily even front, calls for two large, run-stuffing defensive tackles, and the Raiders have had good production from those spots this season.

The Raiders brought in veteran defensive tackle John Jenkins during free agency, and his addition has done wonders for their defensive front. Jenkins is in his 10th season in the NFL and is posting career numbers.

Jenkins has posted a career-high 51 total tackles, three tackles for losses, two quarterback hits, a sack and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. He has also posted 24 run stuffs, according to Pro Football Focus, and his presence has elevated the Raiders’ defense.

John Jenkins has been a significant acquisition for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023 / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Raiders also brought in defensive tackle Adam Butler, who has played well in a rotational role. He has 22 total tackles, six tackles for losses, two sacks and 11 run stuffs on 440 snaps.

The Raiders needed to find players who could stop the run up the middle and produce pressure from the interior, and they found that with Jenkins and Butler. 

Bilal Nichols has also been consistent with 41 total tackles, one and a half sacks and 20 run stuffs.

Not only have these veteran tackles produced on the field, but they have also been mentors for two of the defensive tackles the Raiders selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Third-round selection Byron Young and seventh-round selection Nesta Jade Silvera have not seen much action this season. However, learning from players like Jenkins and Butler will prove valuable for their careers.

The Raiders needed to improve their defense in several ways, and they did that during the offseason. They have seen those efforts pay off with their veteran defensive tackles throughout this season.

On Christmas Day at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, the Silver and Black will return to action versus their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs. Don't miss it on Monday, December 25, at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.

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