Two rookies have massive opportunity in front of them

Losing Christian Wilkins for any amount of time during the 2025 season would be a blow to the Las Vegas Raiders.

With his first season ending due to a Jones fracture in his foot after five games, Wilkins was hoping to be back on the field by this point. However, a setback during his recovery now has his timeline in question, and the Raiders placed him on the Physically Unable to Perform list last week. If Wilkins remains on the list after the 53-man roster deadline, he will be ineligible to play in the first four games for the Raiders this season.

It will take a group effort to replace Wilkins’s production, and two Day Three rookies now find themselves in the mix for significantly more playing time than expected.

These two players cannot allow this opportunity to pass them by.

While initially expected to factor into the Raiders lineup for their versatility, fifth-round pick Tonka Hemingway and sixth-round pick JJ Pegues now could see some time in the rotation on the defensive line.

Hemingway was expected to serve as both defensive tackle and edge rusher, playing both positions at the University of South Carolina. Meanwhile, Pegues received some run as a fullback during his time at Ole Miss, suggesting offensive coordinator Chip Kelly could put together some fun packages on that side of the ball for him. However, the possibility of Wilkins missing time gives both players a chance to step into an immediate role.

To do this, they will have to compete against a fair number of veterans.

Adam Butler stepped up when Wilkins went down last season, and the veteran can safely be assumed as a starter. That leaves Jonah Laula, Leki Fotu and Zach Carter for both Hemingway and Pegues to try and power past on the depth chart. Wilkins returning may make this a moot point, but both rookies impressing during training camp could still net them a role early on even in that scenario.

Hemingway and Pegues both have a goal to aim for during training camp, and the Raiders would be better off if at least one of them is able to make it happen.