Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders Draft Prospect: LB Dallas Gant, Toledo

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Carter Landis | Last updated 3/17/24

The Las Vegas Raiders are evaluating their roster during free agency and looking forward to the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Raiders’ roster has already changed significantly with the additions of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and quarterback Gardner Minshew, as Coach Antonio Pierce and Tom Telesco look to shape the roster in their vision.

But there is still work to be done. The Raiders still have to add more pieces to the team if they want to be a postseason team. They were close in 2023, but a few more additions could put them over the top.

One area they could address in the draft is linebacker, and Toledo’s Dallas Gant could be a good fit. A transfer from Ohio State, Gant spent six years in college between the Buckeyes and Rockets.

Gant finished his collegiate career with 286 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, eight passes defended, an interception, and two and a half sacks. He participated in the Hula Bowl and the Shrine Bowl throughout the offseason. He was a First-Team All-MAC member in 2022.

Gant transferred out of Ohio State and played much better at Toledo. He totaled just 54 tackles in four seasons with the Buckeyes, but with the Rockets, he posted 116 tackles in both seasons. Playing at a different competition level suited Gant, and he thrived.

Gant stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 230 pounds. On tape, he looks tall and slender. He moves well for a modern-day linebacker, as he can defend the run and the pass. Gant can be used all over the field, and his versatility should entice teams.

In the run game, Gant is a heat-seeking missile. He flies to the football to make plays on ball carriers and can be effective in that regard at the next level. He has the frame to be a good coverage linebacker, too, with good instincts and speed. Despite his frame, he plays a physical brand of football and can be a good hitter.

However, his frame may be a problem at the next level. He is thin and struggles to get off blocks against bigger offensive linemen. He also reacts slowly to misdirection and can not recover in time.

Gant is projected to be selected on day three or be an undrafted free agent. If the Raiders are looking for linebacker depth, Gant could be an option.

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.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr and never miss another breaking news story again. Sign up RIGHT HERE for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes thrice a week and delivers all our best stories.

Please let us know your thoughts when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: