If you can't control the line of scrimmage, it's tough to win in the NFL. Jon Gruden knows that, as does Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther and new defensive line coach Rod Marinelli.
That's why the Raiders added Maliek Collins to their interior defensive line rotation in free agency. He'll pair well with Maurice Hurst and Johnathan Hankins. Collins is great at taking on double teams, beating his blockers and blowing up a play to allow his teammates to rally to the ball.
But the Raiders need more upfront. They could look for a dominant, game-changer in Round 1 of the NFL draft, but wide receiver and cornerback needs appear more pressing. That leaves them looking to strike gold later on, something they are more than capable of doing.
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The 2020 NFL Draft has several talented interior defensive line prospects who can come in right away and make an impact while striving to reach their full potential.
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Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma
Much in the way I discussed K.J. Hamler, the only way Gallimore winds up in Silver and Black is if the Raiders find a second-round pick.
The 6-foot-2, 300-pound Sooner is an athletic freak. He marveled at the combine by running a 4.79 40 and showing great agility.
He has got a ton of power, but being able to pair that with speed and agility is rare. He'll be an NFL starter on Day 1 with his strength, quickness, motor and ability to collapse the pocket.
Marlon Davidson, Auburn
If I get a say (I don't), this is the Day 2 guy I would target for the Raiders.
Davidson, 6-foot-3, 300 pounds, is a versatile defensive lineman who played 3-4 outside linebacker at Auburn but projects as an interior menace in the NFL. Davidson has heavy hands, a quick first step, low pad level and physicality that would make him an ideal three-technique.
He will take a little molding, but he can come in right away and play in sub-packages before growing into a more focal role on the defensive line. He has the power and length to dominate while rushing from the outside, but the quickness to overwhelm guards while lining up inside.
Davidson is a projected second-round guy who the Raiders could target in a trade-up or trade-down scenario. His versatility and unique blend of skills make him the ideal prospect.
Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M
Another guy sandwiched in the picks 20 to 60 range that Mike Mayock would love to get into, Madubuike has the versatility to play the three-technique, a base end and zero-technique in rush situations.
The Aggie's explosiveness makes him an impactful penetrator but there were too many moments of sloppy play and lack of effort while at College Station. He could contribute right away but consistency will be the key to him sticking in the NFL.
Davon Hamilton, Ohio State
Now we're in the Raiders' range if no trades are made.
NFL
At 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, Davon Hamilton is an absolute monster of a man and has a load of untapped potential.
The Buckeye is a great run defender with lots of room to grow as a pass-rusher. He has got the frame, size, power and mobility to develop as a game-wrecker at the NFL level if given the proper coaching.
Here he is just blowing up Clemson's ground game.
Raekwon Davis, Alabama
From one mountain to another. Alabama's Raekwon Davis stands at a 6-foot-7, 312 pounds and is a load inside.
Much like Hamilton, Davis is an outstanding run defender with room to grow as a pass-rusher. He dominated as a sophomore at Alabama but didn't build off that in the following two seasons.
He has got great first-step quickness and would best be utilized as someone who can use his athleticism to blow up plays and wreak havoc rather than reading and keying blocks.
Jason Strowbridge, North Carolina
To the Day 3 well we go for the final two prospects.
North Carolina's Jason Strowbridge is long and rangy but lacks the lower-body mass to be a permanent interior defensive lineman. He projects more as a five-technique who can kick inside on pass-rushing downs. Not an ideal fit, but it's Day 3 so you have to make some sacrifices.
[RELATED: Raiders' draft plan will tell us about Carr's future]
Leki Fotu, Utah
Fotu is 6-foot-5, 337 pounds who has excellent explosiveness for a guy his size. The Utah product has a powerful frame and is an absolute load against the run.
Fotu still needs to develop as a pass-rusher, but he should be able to be a rotational player in Year 1 and could become a starter by Year 3.