The Las Vegas Raiders have the number one pick in the draft, and everyone is expecting that to be Fernando Mendoza. However, there are other positions of need for the Raiders, including the defensive line.
Throughout the season, the Raiders were not consistent at the position week to week. Jonah Laulu displayed flashes but could never string together back-to-back weeks of high-level performance. Tonka Hemingway flashed as well, recording four sacks on the season and showing promise in the last few games of 2025. However, the Silver and Black could look to beef up the position in the draft to add depth and competition.
One of the first destinations for the draft is the Senior Bowl. It is the place where team’s and get their first look at prospects during live practices and conduct interviews with players. There is plenty of defensive line talent available that could help elevate the Raiders’ defensive line immediately.
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
One area on the Raiders’ defensive line that has been an issue is the nose tackle position. Since Johnathan Hankins left the team, there hasn’t been a consistent player to help plug up holes. At the Senior Bowl, Lee Hunter from Texas Tech has a chance to catch the Raiders’ eye.
Hunter transferred from UCF and had a breakout season in 2025. His performance against Oregon in the quarterfinals of the playoffs has him rising on draft boards. He finished the game with 7 tackles, with two tackles for loss. He grew as a pass rusher as well, having 26 pressures on the season, and helped the Red Raiders have one of the best defensive lines in the country. He is a player the Raiders could take at 36 with a good week.
Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
Domonique Orange has the best nickname at the Senior Bowl: Big Citrus. He came into the season with a lot of buzz after a strong junior campaign for Iowa St. That forced teams to game-plan for his talents, which led to a disappointing senior season and dropped his draft stock. He hopes to rebuild it by showcasing his talents to scouts.
Orange is known for his power, 6’4 325 pounds, and the one-on-ones will be key for his rise backup draft boards. It struggled to get off blocks during the season, being triple-teamed inside and playing in Iowa State’s 3-3-5 defense. If he can consistently display his quickness, agility, and power in Mobile, it will help his draft tremendously and help him regain the buzz he created in 2024.
Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami
Coming off a monster performance against Indiana in the national championship game, Mesidor decided to join the Senior Bowl roster. With his buzz at an all-time high, he has a chance to capitalize and help himself rise into the first round. It shows his willingness to compete against the best in the country.
Mesidor had a breakout season during his 5th year in college. He had 12.5 sacks on the season and 55 pressures according to PFF.com. In the biggest game of the season, he was unblockable with two sacks and four pressures overall, just dominating both of Indiana’s tackles throughout the game. Mesidor’s age could be a concern for teams, as he will be 25 at the start of the 2026 season. We could see teams taking a gamble on the former Hurricane if he blows up the offensive line as he did vs. the Hoosiers.