Even with depth at DT, Raiders cannot pass on Quinnen Williams

The Raiders have quite a bit of talent at the defensive tackle position, but if Alabama’s Quinnen Williams falls to fourth overall, the Raiders should sprint to the podium.

All eyes will be on the Raiders on April 25th as they are without a doubt the most interesting team to watch in the NFL Draft. With three picks in the first round and a head coach/general manager combination that isn’t afraid to make flashy moves, the Raiders have the opportunity to set the event on fire.

Currently holding picks four, 24, and 27, the Raiders have a distinct possibility of landing standout defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. With that possibility of taking Williams in the top five, many Raiders fans cannot seem to agree. A lot of fans claim that the Raiders have bigger holes on the roster, and that defensive tackle is actually a position of strength that doesn’t need to be added to.

Frankly, that is a very naive way of thinking about the situation. First and foremost, the Raiders need to add talent, and if Nick Bosa is gone (which he most likely will be) the Raiders will be adding someone who many experts say is the second most talented prospect in this year’s draft.

For reference, lets look at the raiders current depth chart at defensive tackle. One year removed from drafting two tackles in the same class, the Raiders found two solid guys in Maurice Hurst and P.J. Hall. On several occasions, most notably against the Browns, Hurst flashed some elite potential, finishing the year with a 74.2 grade from PFF (54th among defensive linemen). Hall was solid in his rookie campaign as well, tallying a 65.9 grade from PFF.

In addition to the two young guns, the Raiders have a stable full of other defensive tackles that fill in other roles. Johnathan Hankins, who the team just re-signed to a two-year deal, is very solid against the run. Add in Justin Ellis and the Raiders have two behemoths that are very adept at stuffing running backs in their tracks.

Don’t forget about Eddie Vanderdoes either, who should be 100% this season after recovering from an ACL tear at the end of the 2017 season. Needless to say, the Raiders have quite a plethora of talent at the defensive tackle position. But that does NOT mean that they should pass on a player of Williams’ caliber because of that.

Whether Williams will be the next Aaron Donald or not, it is never a bad thing to have too many good players on the roster. Do the Raiders need edge rushers more than tackles? Sure, but Williams can be collapse the pocket with ease and would instantly transform the defensive line.

Point is, regardless of whether the Raiders used two draft picks on defensive tackles last season or how much additional talent they have at the position, there is no reason for them to pass up on the opportunity to add someone of Williams’ pedigree to the roster.

If he is there, Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock need to make the smart call, and add a someone who could potentially become a perennial All-Pro to their defense.