Defensive tackle doesn’t rank super high on the Raiders’ most pressing NFL draft needs. Receiver and cornerback have that market cornered.
Adding Maliek Collins in free agency dropped the threat level a few colors, with Collins able to be a featured member of the interior rotation capable of playing on all three downs. Johnathan Hankins can line up well on obvious rushing downs, with Maurice Hurst helping in the subpackage.
P.J. Hall’s in the mix as well, and this could be a make-or-break year for the 2018 second-round pick. Daniel Ross reunites with Rod Marinelli in Las Vegas and will be a factor here. Adding another member of the rotation could be helpful, though they could sign a veteran to compete for a job -- Dion Jordan’s still on the open market -- after the draft.
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There are a few first-round talents who should give the Raiders pause if they’re available on Day 1. There’s enough of a need here that passing on top talents might be hard, especially if a certain Auburn product unexpectedly remains available when the Raiders pick at No. 12 overall.
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Let’s take a look at the defensive tackle prospects worth considering in the first round:
No. 12 overall
NFL
Derrick Brown, Auburn (6-foot-5, 326 pounds): Let’s say this off the top. Brown being available at No. 12 would constitute a major surprise. But, if there’s a larger group of quarterbacks than expected going in the Top 10, or some trade-ups start a receiver run, he could slip a bit and give the Raiders reason to ignore their top needs.
Brown’s a powerful interior presence, though not the second coming of Aaron Donald. He’s a different type of player, far bigger and capable of dominating in different ways.
The former Tiger can collapse the pocket and be an impactful interior pass rusher, especially considering how quick he is coming off the snap. There is, however, room for improvement in that area. He can play several techniques to find and exploit matchups but was primarily a nose tackle in college and should be productive in any scheme. He has the size and power to win with physical traits, combining them with solid technical skill and leverage to consistently win matchups and fight off double teams. He’s also known as a quality leader with great drive and work ethic.
While Brown isn’t expected to last 11 picks, he’d be hard to pass up considering his talent level and the fact that Collins and Hankins are entering contract years. He’s probably the only defensive tackle worth strong consideration at this spot, especially with receiver and cornerback such pressing issues entering the 2020 season.
[RELATED: Raiders can find game-changing D-lineman on Day 2]
No. 19 overall
Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina (6-foot-5, 324 pounds): Plain and simple: Kinlaw’s an athletic freak. He’s built like a fortress, with hardly any body fat for a person his size. Kinlaw dominated Senior Bowl practices during one of the few parts of the pre-draft process to go on without restriction, though he pulled out of the game with knee tendinitis. Sometimes players built that tight can be injury-prone at the NFL level though he didn’t miss many games at South Carolina. He did, however, have a hip injury that required surgery. His stats won’t wow you, but he has the measurables and power to pique a coach’s interest and dream of outlandish production with some seasoning. He has the strength and drive to move around the line, and his motor’s always revved.
Analysts say Kinlaw isn’t a finished product but could be an excellent pro if he continues to develop. Mock drafts frequently have him going in the mid-teens, but he could be an intriguing prospect if he makes it to No. 19.
Ross Blacklock, TCU (6-foot-3, 290 pounds): The former Horned Frog has the traits required to be a standout interior pass rusher at the NFL level. That’s a coveted ability in all defenses and the Raiders are no different, with Paul Guenther’s system operating best with a dominant inside rush.
Blacklock has great quickness and always plays through the whistle. He’s good at slipping through blocks, though he might need better technique to excel consistently at the professional level. He has an injury history and doesn’t have massive numbers, but analysts say his raw ability is exemplary and his attitude is right for continued development.
He could be an option should the Raiders trade from No. 19 deeper into the first round. They could get extra picks, an interior pass rusher who could help early in his NFL career and more opportunities to mine deeper position groups later in the draft.