The Raiders don’t have many position battles going into the 2023 season. There could be some moving and shaking at the cornerback position, but the starting jobs are likely set going into camp. However, there is one position that should see a ton of competition during the preseason.
In a recent article by Josh Liskiewitz of Pro Football Focus, he took a look at the offseason moves done by the Raiders and addressed their roster heading into the 2023 season.
One of the most interesting battles that the Raiders will have comes at the defensive tackle position. Here are Liskiewitz’s thoughts on who could win the starting defensive tackle snaps next to Bilal Nichols:
The Raiders re-signed Jerry Tillery this offseason, but he has played at a replacement level each of the past four seasons. Las Vegas should be looking to get Young significant snaps immediately.
At Alabama last season, Young racked up 16 run stops and seven tackles for loss or no gain on run plays to go with 33 total QB pressures.
The Raiders are hopeful that one of their several young defensive tackles can make a leap this season. If it’s not Byron Young, maybe Neil Ferrell Jr. or Matthew Butler can make a leap in Year 2. But look for Tillery and Young to get the first crack at the starting defensive tackle spot next to Nichols.
