3 defensive players the Las Vegas Raiders should target in Free Agency
By Daniel Davis
D.J. Reader
D.J Reader has been one of the most consistent defensive tackles for the past few years. The market for defensive tackles who are over 300 pounds has gone down in recent years, as Aaron Donald has changed the game. Reader has been a historic run-stuffer but last year he played more in a pass-rush role.
He boasted career highs in QB pressures with 36 and 35 run stops. Compare that with the 2018 season with 24 pressures and only 22 run stops.
The Raiders had a season last year where the rush and the pass defense struggled and most of that is due to the lack of pass rush early in the season, and the lack of push on the defensive line. D.J Reader can help with that. He is a 345-pound defensive tackle that has played nose tackle in 3-4 defenses, but I think he will be better in a 4-3 scheme where he’s going to have more 1-on-1 battles he can win.
With Maxx Crosby commanding more attention next season, and a full offseason for Clelin Ferrell, I can’t see why Reader won’t succeed in Las Vegas.
The 25-year-old, 26 when the 2020 season starts, will command a longer contract than a veteran player would. However, the market value for defensive tackles over 330 pounds has gone down in recent years as the NFL wants more athletic defensive lineman so they could get him for a good price.
D.J Reader
Super Powers
Run stuffer, tackles well, doesn't miss tackles, over 330 pounds, excels in single blocking
Weaknesses
needs pass rush developed still
Sidekicks
Arch Nemesis
