The Las Vegas Raiders entered the 2026 offseason with a clear mission: revamp their defensive line to fit a new 3-4 base scheme. But after the dust settled on the draft, the team's approach at defensive tackle has left many fans wondering if they did enough.
The Raiders' most notable addition came in the seventh round, selecting North Carolina State's Brandon Cleveland with the 229th overall pick. While Cleveland brings intriguing potential, expecting a seventh-round rookie to anchor a defensive line transition is a tall order. In a draft class deep with defensive talent, Las Vegas waited until the final round to address a position that many analysts considered a top priority.
The current depth chart features a mix of familiar faces and unproven talent. Adam Butler returns as a steady veteran presence, while JJ Pegues and Jonah Laulu are expected to take on larger roles in the new scheme. Tonka Hemingway adds versatility, capable of sliding inside from his defensive end spot when needed.
With the free agent market still holding some veteran options, the Raiders may not be done shopping. For a team banking on a defensive identity shift, the pressure is on for this group to outperform expectations—or for the front office to make another move before training camp.
