Raiders fans are split on state of DT’s

It depends on who you ask.

There are some questions about the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive tackle position as it heads into the 2025 NFL season.

The unit has been adjusted after the July release of big-money starter Christian Wilkins after a strange situation that involved an injured foot.

The Raiders are rolling with this group post-Wilkins life: Adam Butler, Jonah Laulu, rookies Tonka Hemingway and J.J. Pegues, Thomas Booker and Leki Fotu.

We recently asked our readers how they feel about the group.

Just more than half the voters expressed they are worried about it, while more than 48 percent indicated they are satisfied with the group.

I see both sides. I think the key is this group staying healthy and the quick emergence of players like Hemingway and Pegues.

Here are some of your responses. Sign up and go to the comments section.

Yeeeaaahhhhh

I’m ok woith DT’s. It’s our starting CB’s and CB depth that is the issue. Our lack of a high quality nickel. Our lack of speed at FS. The coverage skills when our big body LB’s are in there. You can definitely tell we have a new GM and HC new to our division who isn’t used to facing the chiefs twice a season. I always believe you build the D that can take out the #1 squad in your division. We have a D built more for SF and the NFC West, less for the chiefs. I get the feeling PC and Spy are more concerned with the emergence of Bolts and Broncs and believe Chiefs are on their way out. We shall see.

Vila41

Concerning to say the least. A bunch of guys with a lot to prove. Butler is a rotational pass rush specialist to me until proven otherwise. Fotu needs to prove he can stay on the field. Booker and the rookies are wildcards. Who knows how they’ll play when it gets real.

And Laulu? This guy is on my $hit list and on notice. I’ve said it a few times now. I’m not sure what the hype is with him. He wasn’t that good last year, and he looked like straight up hot garbage in the preseason. He has one good snap out of 10. That’s not nearly good enough to be starter or even a back up. That’s a practice squad guy, which is really where he should be.

RaiderCode

Not great, but good. Butler is a reliable starter. Getting Fotu back as a big-body run stuffer was crucial. Trading for Booker is a bigger deal than is getting credit for, he can be a real difference maker off the bench with juice and energy.

Pegues has flashed in preseason more than once. Laulu was coming on at the end of his rookie year. And of course Tyree and Tonka will play inside as well.

There’s alot to work with even though there’s no current ‘star’. We’re in good shape but the young guys need to step up, they should get alot of help from the LBs in run Defense.