March 25, 2026, 6:02 a.m. PT
The Las Vegas Raiders are entering the 2026 NFL draft with a modest need at defensive tackle. Adam Butler is a good player. The Raiders also have Thomas Booker, Jonah Laulu, Tonka Hemingway, and JJ Pegues playing on the defensive line.
Rob Leonard’s unit could get better. Apparently, the Raiders are doing their pre-draft homework at the position. They are set to host Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald on a pre-draft visit, the prospect recently said.
“I’ve been on Top 30 visits,” McDonald told NFL Draft On SI. “I have one with the Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens, and Chicago Bears.”
McDonald was dominant for the Buckeyes this past season. The physical defensive tackle prospect registered 65 tackles and nine tackles for loss. McDonald consistently created backfield penetration on tape, projecting as an elite run defender at the next level.
McDonald isn’t a top-tier pass rusher. Scouts consider him a fringe first-round pick. It’s plausible that McDonald could remain on the board when the Raiders come on the clock at No. 36 overall. Defensive tackle isn’t the Raiders’ biggest need, but it’d be difficult to bypass that value with the 36th selection.
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