Let’s look at the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive tackle position after the draft.
New free agent added:
None.
Free agent who departed:
None.
Free agent who returned:
None,
Current free agents:
None.
Traded for:
None.
Released:
None.
Draft:
North Carolina State’s Brandon Cleveland in seventh round (No. 229).
Returners:
Adam Butler, JJ Pegues, Jonah Laulu, Tonka Hemingway.
Conclusion:
The Raiders didn’t do much at this position. They were expected to add a true nose tackle in free agency or early in the draft as they
are moving to a 3-4 base defense. They didn’t address the position until they drafted Cleveland in the final round. He has potential, but it is a lot to ask a seventh-round pick to play a vital role as a rookie. They could look a the remaining free-agent class. Butler, Pegues and Laulu should play big roles and Hemingway, who is expected to play a lot of defensive end in the 3-4, could still be a factor inside as well at times.
