Raiders Draft Radar 2021: Defensive tackles

Defensive tackle was my top need position for the Raiders coming into this offseason. And they went after it hard, adding the likes of Solomon Thomas, Quinton Jefferson, Darius Philon, and Matt Dickerson. They also brought back David Irving.

The thing about those guys is they all play the same defensive tackle position. They are all three-tech defensive tackles.

Now, they did bring back Johnathan Hankins as well to play the nose tackle spot, but he’s really it for that position. Leaving the need for adding another lane clogger to the mix to rotate in now and potentially take over as the starter down the road.

The good thing about nose tackles is you can often find a good one after the first couple rounds, and even a few on day three of the draft. This is great considering the Raiders have a few more pressing needs to focus on with their first few picks.

Here are a few defensive tackles who could fit in with the Raiders and which round the Raiders could select them.

Alim McNeill, NC State -- Round 3

Oct 10, 2020; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack defensive tackle Alim McNeill (29) celebrates with Wolfpack linebacker Isaiah Moore (1) and Wolfpack linebacker Payton Wilson (11) after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Virginia Cavaliers in the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

You don’t see many 320-pounders who can run a sub-five 40-yard dash. The 6-2 run-stuffing tackle McNeill did though, putting up a 4.96 40. The former linebacker and running back was a two-year starting nose tackle for the Wolfpack. McNeill was named first-team All-ACC last season, a fitting end to three years with 17.5 tackles for loss and ten sacks.

Bobby Brown III, Texas A&M -- Round 4