Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders Draft Prospect: DE Trajan Jeffcoat, Arkansas

Originally posted on Las Vegas Raiders on SI
By Carter Landis | Last updated Mar 10, 2024 8:00 AM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to improve by adding young talent through the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Raiders ended last season with strong momentum, and Raider Nation is feeling excited as a new era begins in Las Vegas.

Coach Antonio Pierce established a culture of competitiveness and toughness that endeared fans and players alike. Now, new General Manager Tom Telesco will be tasked with finding the right players to fit that new culture.

The Raiders formed an identity with their strong defense, especially off the edge. Maxx Crosby was excellent, as he usually is, but players like Malcolm Koonce broke out, and rookie Tyree Wilson made strides as his health improved.

Now, the Raiders may want to add one more depth piece to their edge to solidify that position as a strength of the team.

Arkansas defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat could fit that mold near the end of the draft. Jeffcoat, a transfer from Missouri, has the athleticism to be a depth contributor.

Jeffcoat finished his collegiate career with 100 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and 15.5 sacks. Because of his size and athleticism, he can play in almost any scheme.

Jeffcoat stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 266 pounds. In his final year at Arkansas under first-year Defensive Coordinator Travis Williams, he mainly played 4-3 defensive end. It was a role that suited him, as he has the strength and length to explode off the snap and push back against offensive linemen.

Jeffcoat had some impressive reps against potential first-round Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham. He was able to anchor and drive Latham back to push the pocket and force quarterback Jalen Milroe to escape. If Jeffcoat is producing against future NFL offensive linemen, he may be able to find consistency at the next level.

However, Jeffcoat does not play the run well. Because of this, he may be limited to being a pass-rush specialist on third downs. He is athletic but does not move well and is not technically refined. Jeffcoat has to develop more pass-rush moves to be an effective player in the NFL.

Jeffcoat is projected to be a seventh-round selection. If the Raiders want to add an athletic depth piece to their pass-rushing unit, Jeffcoat could be a perfect fit.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

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This article first appeared on Las Vegas Raiders on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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