The Raiders tried to rebuild their defensive line this offseason, bringing in Chandler Jones and Bilal Nichols. They also retained Johnathan Hankins and signed a few other veterans, including Vernon Butler and Kyle Peko.
However, the interior defensive line for the Raiders is a position that is in desperate need of young talent. They might have the oldest interior defensive line in the NFL and don’t really have any other players coming up through the pipeline to replace them.
In a recent article by Jordan Reid and Matt Miller of ESPN, they took a look at every team’s biggest need going into the draft later this month. Here is what they had to say about the Raiders and where they could go on Day 2 and Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft:
“The Raiders have few top-level needs, which is good because they have only five selections in the 2022 draft and none in the first two rounds. New general manager Dave Ziegler has a tall task ahead of him.
When the Raiders do come on the clock, defensive tackle should be targeted as a depth player and run-stuffer. Elsewhere, finding depth — not starters on Day 3 — is a need at linebacker and cornerback. A developmental offensive tackle is also a Day 3 target.”
If the Raiders could find a developmental defensive tackle at No. 86, that would address one of their biggest needs. But are there going to be any good options available to them at that point?
Perrion Winfrey (Oklahoma) might be the ideal candidate as he’s got incredible talent and athleticism. While he didn’t always play up to his potential in college, he could be a high-caliber starter in the NFL with time.
Another name to keep an eye on is Phidarian Mathis (Alabama), who is more of a run-stopping defensive tackle. He’s not as athletic as Winfrey, but he could contribute right away as a run defender.
The Raiders will undoubtedly be searching for defensive tackle help at No. 86, but it’s going to take some luck for the right player to be there when they are on the clock.
