What is a linebackers best friend? A monstrous defensive tackle that can command double teams and hold the point of attack. Insert Vita Vea into your defensive front, and that is precisely what you have.
At 6’4 and 347 lbs, Vea is your classic three-technique or nose guard depending on the scheme. If drafted by the Raiders he would be a three-tech given Paul Guenther 4-3 scheme. Regardless, Vea’s power, violent hands, and deceptive quickness made him a nightmare for blockers at Washington.
He can quickly shed blockers and squeeze running lanes in a hurry. Vea also has one of the most vicious hump moves during pass rushes you’ll ever see. The man can literally lift offensive guards off the ground.
Vita Vea will batter OL with the hump move. pic.twitter.com/Ct9xkytax8
— John Owning (@JohnOwning) January 7, 2018
The Raiders have had a mediocre to terrible run defense for what seems like forever. With Vea, that could change in a hurry.
He does shoot straight up out of his stance which causes him at times to play a little high. However, that can be coached, plus he plays with such power he can at times still get away with it. Pass rushing isn’t his specialty, but he does show some promise. Vea had 16 sacks at Washington, so if he can improve his technique to complement his strength, beware.