The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into the 2026 season with a burning question at nose tackle—and it's one that could define their defensive identity. Remember that classic Wendy's commercial from the 1980s? "Where's the beef?" Well, for the Silver & Black, that's exactly what they're asking about their defensive line.

Under new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, the Raiders are shifting to a 3-4 base defense, and that makes the nose tackle position more critical than ever. While the NFL has largely moved away from traditional base formations—the Raiders themselves frequently used a nickel 4-2-5 alignment under former DC Patrick Graham—Leonard's scheme demands a true anchor in the middle. This isn't just any defensive tackle; this is a space-eating, block-absorbing powerhouse who lines up directly over the center, controls the line of scrimmage, and frees up linebackers to make plays.

After free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, the nose tackle job is wide open, with no clear frontrunner. Enter Brandon Cleveland, the Raiders' seventh-round pick (229th overall) from North Carolina State. At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Cleveland brings the size and strength you'd expect from a two-year starter at nose tackle for the Wolfpack. At just 21 years old, he's already accustomed to doing the dirty work—holding the point of attack, taking on double teams, and shedding blockers to reach the ball carrier. His 7 tackles for loss last season show he can also penetrate and disrupt in the backfield.

Cleveland joins a crowded room that includes fellow rookie defensive tackle Smith, an undrafted free agent out of UCLA. But while Cleveland has the pedigree and the tape, the competition is far from settled. With training camp on the horizon, the Raiders are looking for that beef master in the middle—someone who can turn Leonard's 3-4 vision into a reality. For fans and fantasy owners alike, this is a battle worth watching.