Analyzing Raiders 2026 Defensive Line Strategy
The Raiders defensive line has been up and down for the entire 2025 season, ranking high in run stop win rates, run stop rate, and overall TFL’s. As a pass rush unit they’ve been below average in most marks struggling to generate consistent pressure and sacks with lows in most marks. The interior defensive line has seen struggles with their overall talent, as Adam Butler and Thomas Booker headline the unit in what is likely one of the bottom 10 starting defensive tackle duos in the NFL. They’re quality depth players to pair with JJ Pegues, Tonka Hemingway, and Jonah Laulu but the Raiders really struggle to find consistent defensive tackle production for nearly a decade. At EDGE, Malcolm Koonce has struggled to bounce back from a torn ACL though he’s looked like a quality pass rusher in recent weeks, former 7th overall pick Tyree Wilson hasn’t made many strides and seems to be a role player going forward. Maxx Crosby has been up and down this season largely in part to a knee injury. The Raiders have issues on the offensive line, but their defensive line has just as much attention needing to be put towards it this off-season. Malcolm Koonce is a free agent but majority of the current unit should be back in 2026 depending on Maxx Crosby’s offseason as well.
Defensive Tackle:
The interior defensive tackle market is weirdly strong this off-season, though it could become weak quickly. The headliners include veteran Calais Campbell, who likely could retire along with David Onyemata who’s started to regress since his 2020-2023 success logging just 38 pressures and 4.5 sacks in the last two seasons, though he’s remained a high end run defender. Broncos’ John Franklin-Myers has been a phenomenal addition the last two seasons for Denver and should cash in this off-season after logging 93 pressures and 14.5 sacks in the last two seasons. Franklin-Myers provides quality run defense as well and likely would anchor the Raiders interior defensive line well to pair with Crosby. Veteran DJ Reader is a high upside free agent that could be looking to bounce back to his previously success with the Bengals though he’s struggled to really hit his stride recently. Veteran nose tackle Roy Lopez would help the Raiders anchor their interior run defense, though JJ Pegues profiles as a future nose tackle. Other possible names to watch could include Logan Hall (TB) who’s coming off 28 pressures and a sack this year, Neville Gallimore at nose tackle, Derrick Nnadi at nose tackle, and Devonte Wyatt who’s logged a career 110 pressures and 15 sacks since his rookie season in 2022. Additionally other nose tackle options include Teair Tart, Larry Ogjunjobi, Sheldon Rankins, Greg Gaines, Foley Fatukasi, and Tim Settle. The most notable name that could be a swing for the Raiders comes from the Lions with Levi Onwuzuriki who suffered an injury to end his 2025 season and while injuries have been an issue in his career, the former Washington Huskie logged 47 pressures, 11.1% win rate, and 3.5 sacks in 2024 in nearly 700 snaps. Onwuzurike would be a high upside swing but the Raiders would need to bring someone in as well to guarantee stability at the position.
EDGE Rusher:
The EDGE class this year is deep, headlined by former fist rounder Jaelan Phillips. The former Dolphin and current Eagle started his career at UCLA before transferring to Miami where he’s logged 66 pressures and 5.5 sacks this season along with a career 216 pressures, 28 sacks, 72 QB hits, 31 TFL, and 3 turnovers. Phillips is going to cash in on his career season and it’s much deserved. Las Vegas has a connection with Rob Leonard coaching Phillips in 2021 and 2022, with 2022 being his career best season. Injuries have dampened Phillips in 2023 and 2024 but when healthy he’s among the NFL’s best. Additionally, former Raider K’Lavon Chaisson has had a strong season after rebounding in Las Vegas in 2024, where he’s posted 50 pressures, 7.5 sacks, and 2 FF this season. Trey Hendrickson is set to hit free agency as well though his market likely will be too rich for Las Vegas. Kwity Paye also headlines the class and the former first rounder has posted a career 170 pressures, 28.5 sacks and 47 QB hits. Paye has maintained a consistent profile as a 2nd pass rusher and would slot in well for Las Vegas while also providing high end run defense across from Crosby forming one of the better pass rush duos in the NFL. Additional options include Joseph Ossai, David Ojabo, Odafe Oweh, AJ Epenesa, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Charles Omenihu, Samson Ebukam, Jacob Martin, Boye Mafe, Sam Williams, and former Raider Khalil Mack which would be a phenomenal storyline reunion opposite of Crosby. A personal favorite sleeper, Falcons EDGE Arnold Ebiketie. The former 2nd rounder from Penn State hasn’t seen a ton of snaps in his career with just 1800 in four seasons largely as a rotational pass rusher but he’s posted 131 pressures, 17 sacks, 36 QB hits, and a career 17.4% pass rush win rate. Ebiketie is going to be pushed out by rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr in Atlanta and the 25 year old should have a good market though Paye would remain the home run signing. If Rob Leonard stays in 2025, it’s worth noting that Ojabo, Oweh, and Phillips all have connections to him and Boye Mafe has a connection to other Raiders coaches should they remain.
Category: General Sports
