Five defensive tackles the Raiders could target in 2025

The Las Vegas Raiders have some options to bolster their defensive line in 2025.

The major hope for the Raiders was that prized free-agent acquisition Christian Wilkins would emerge as an interior force to help out Maxx Crosby. Unfortunately, injuries have destroyed that plan.

While defensive linemen like Adam Butler and Jonah Laulu have stepped up, it also speaks to the necessity of depth at the position.

With Butler as a free agent after this season, the need for a new defensive tackle could move up in importance rather quickly. The draft offers some intriguing possibilities, as well as some depth options if Butler re-signs or a free agent comes in.

Here are five options that can fit what the Raiders are looking for:

Walter Nolen, Ole Miss

Impressive physical gifts, fast for a player at his position and big-school pedigree? Sounds right up the Raiders’ alley.

Nolen is far more than just an athletic monster, however. Looking at some of his play over the last couple of seasons, the improvement in his technique is noticeable.

He moves fast enough to catch offensive linemen off guard, ensuring Nolen can draw good matchups and consistently put pressure on the backfield. His strength as a run defender keeps him anchored down, while he is versatile and continuing to look more polished as a pass rusher.

Nolen could get picked up at the end of the first round, making him a steal if he falls to the Raiders in the second.

Derrick Harmon, Oregon

One of the biggest risers in this draft class, Harmon has emerged as an underrated force that can dominate at the NFL level.

Transferring from Michigan State this season, Harmon has exploded for a national title contender in Oregon. With his impressive size and length, Harmon maximizes his physical gifts with consistently improving technique.

Harmon arrived in Eugene as an established run stuffer who deserved attention from opposing offensive linemen. Even going against double teams, Harmon could stand tall to keep from being washed out of his gap and even make the play.

What has improved and pushed Harmon towards first-round consideration is his improved pass rush. With a career-high five sacks this season, Harmon has started to find rush moves that work and can hit the opposing lineman with confidence that he can break through.

If the pass rushing continues to improve as it has, Harmon stands out as someone who can emerge as a defensive force for the next decade.

TJ Sanders, South Carolina

While less of a pass rusher than the two above him, Sanders still has value to the Raiders as physical run-stuffing defensive tackle.

Using his long arms, Sanders is able to shed blockers easily and use his strength to get leverage. From there, he can rip away and make plays on the football.

Even on the pass rush, Sanders does have some moves that can be effective in providing interior pressure. That said, there are some technical issues that emerge that will need to be cleaned up for him to make an impact in that regard at the next level.

Fortunately, Sanders on the Raiders is similar to his situation with the Gamecocks. He is a nice run-stopping complement to Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart at South Carolina, and he would be the same with Crosby in Las Vegas.

Howard Cross III, Notre Dame

General manager Tom Telesco has had no issue taking players from Notre Dame, and Cross is the type of player the Raiders could use in their lineup.

Bursting onto the national scene in 2023, Cross has been dominant for the Fighting Irish over the last two seasons. His six-foot-one frame is far from typical for an NFL defensive tackle, but Cross has a versatile skillset and high motor that typically translates well at the next level.

While Cross usually comes in with a strength disadvantage against his opponents, he more than makes up for it with his quickness and technique. His wrestling background gives him a knowledge of leverage, allowing him to convert speed to power and move his way through to the ball carrier.

An NFL weight room would help Cross develop some strength and add to his versatility. Teams who value interior pass rush and can fit Cross into their scheme

Darius Alexander, Toledo

One of the best pure athletes in the class, Alexander is expected to continue his rise up the boards during the pre-draft process.

Similar to Cross, Alexander’s primary value right now comes as a pass rusher. Using a variety of moves, Alexander develops a plan to shed his blocker and move quickly to the ball carrier.

Run defense is a work in progress, as Alexander can be inconsistent with his anchor and hand placement. While he sometimes gets washed out of his gap, he also has reps where he puts up a dominant victory, so the tools to succeed are there.

Alexander’s pre-draft process is going to be crucial in determining his stock. It will start with the nation’s premier all-star event in the Senior Bowl, where he will have the chance to prove himself against improved competition.