Raiders predicted to add Christian Wilkins replacement in 2026

Ultimately, the Las Vegas Raiders got burned on the big free agent acquisition of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.

Wilkins entered the 2024 season with designs of being the interior complement to Maxx Crosby, but those quickly came to an end when a foot fracture ended his first year after five games. The situation quickly unraveled this offseason, with disagreements on how to handle Wilkins’s rehab and a reported locker room kiss putting him in hot water. Ultimately, the Raiders grew tired of the trouble and released Wilkins outright.

The decision may have helped to smooth things over in the locker room, but it does leave the Raiders vulnerable in the middle of their defensive line.

The perfect non-quarterback prospect is definitely in range for the Raiders.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Richie Bradshaw, the Raiders have the chance to land Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods, doing so in his mock draft with the seventh overall pick.

“If (T.J) Parker doesn’t lead Clemson’s front seven, then my bet is on Woods. The big man is a space eater and showed great improvements as a pass rusher last season. He enters the new season as one of the biggest and most fondly perceived defensive prospects for 2026… no pun intended,” wrote Bradshaw.

“The Raiders were just burned by another former star Clemson defensive lineman, Christian Wilkins, so there could be some nervous fans. However, like we said about the Giants drafting (Miami offensive tackle Francis) Mauigoa, you can’t let one guy scare you from a prospect. Woods can be the run stuffer and high-potential pass rusher they believed they were getting when they signed Wilkins.”

Woods has emerged as the premier defensive lineman in the 2026 draft class, and continued improvement could see him in line for a top-five selection.

“Woods alternated between defensive tackle and defensive end last season, and what is so intriguing about his potential headed into his junior year is what new coordinator Tom Allen will ask him to do. Clemson plans to be more aggressive with its entire D-line, a prospect that Woods has embraced,” wrote ESPN’s Andrea Adelson on the outlet’s ranking of top 100 college football players, where Woods ranked No. 9.

With impressive skills against the run and the pass, Woods can easily become exactly who the Raiders were hoping to find when they signed Wilkins.