The Las Vegas Raiders paid some attention to their defensive tackle room during the NFL draft last weekend.<\/p>\n
They selected South Carolina\u2019s Tonka Hemingway in the fourth round and then with their next pick, they took Mississippi\u2019s JJ Pegues in the sixth round.<\/p>\n
Neither may be ready to try to start as rookies, but both should compete to be rotational players right away and both are versatile. They should both make the 53-man roster.<\/p>\n
Assuming he will be healthy, 2024 free-agent prize Christian Wilkins will anchor the position. The other returning veterans are Adam Butler, Jonah Laula, Matthew Butler and Zach Carter. They also signed Leki Fotu as a free agent. John Jenkins, a key contributor in the couple of years, is a free agent. Laki Tasi was signed as a developmental player this week,<\/p>\n
The Raiders will likely keep around five players at the position. Assuming both Hemingway and Pegues join Wilkins on the 53-man roster, that leaves two more open spots.<\/p>\n
Butler is likely a look so there will be a lot of competition with Laula, who finished as a rookie last year, have a good choice to come back.<\/p>\n
It should be a highly competitive training camp at defensive tackle with several players having a shot to be contributors. if this group can stay healthy and the youngster can develop, it could be a nice group.<\/p>\n