Newly signed defensive lineman boosts Raiders’ run game.

The Las Vegas Raiders are shaping their defensive tackle outlook by adding depth through the draft and undrafted free agency, highlighting a continuing emphasis on building a young, run-stuffing interior. After selecting Brandon Cleveland in the seventh round, the Raiders signed UCLA’s Gary Smith III, a massive 319-pound nose tackle who played closer to 340 in college but dealt with injuries, including missing all of 2024. In a 3-4 base defense, Smith’s body type and run-stuffing ability give him a real chance to compete for a roster spot, leveraging his experience and leverage to anchor the interior against downhill runs.

Smith’s scouting profile emphasizes his role as a space-eating tackle with solid run defense but limited pass-rush potential. NFL evaluators note his wide base and leverage-oriented game, making him a strong fit for occupy-and-seal duties as a nose tackle. The Raiders also have young interior options from last year, such as JJ Pegues and Tonka Hemingway, who showed flashes but limited opportunities. Hemingway’s nine-game, 4.0-sack performance signals potential value, while Pegues projects as a traditional nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme. The timeline suggests the Raiders are betting on youth to develop and contribute, rather than chasing veteran impact adds, aiming for a resilient, depth-filled defensive line.

Key Takeaways:
– Raiders bolster the defensive tackle position with Brandon Cleveland (draft) and Gary Smith III (undrafted free agent).
– Gary Smith III brings size and run-stopping potential as a nose tackle fit for a 3-4 defense, despite limited pass-rush upside.
– The team remains high on young DTs from last year (Pegues and Hemingway) and prioritizes development over immediate veteran impact.