2021 NFL Draft: 2 DTs the Las Vegas Raiders should target

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 25: General Manager Mike Mayock of the Las Vegas Raiders interviews during the first day of the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 25: General Manager Mike Mayock of the Las Vegas Raiders interviews during the first day of the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Phidarian Mathis is another exciting defensive tackle to look at next year. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Sports
Phidarian Mathis is another exciting defensive tackle to look at next year. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Sports /

Raiders love Alabama prospects, and Phidarian Mathis is a good one

Phidarian Mathis is a defensive tackle that’s been rising up draft boards this season, and rightfully so. The six-foot-four, 312-pound mauler had an impressive campaign this college season, as he generated 15 solo tackles, five tackles for a loss, one and a half sacks, one forced fumble, and three passes defended to boot.

Statistically speaking, this was Mathis’ best season in college, he played 284 snaps alongside the defensive line. From those snaps, PFF graded Mathis 82.3 overall for his efforts, his pass-rushing grade came in at a solid 82.6 for the year.

The Draft Network’s Jordan Reid spotlighted Mathis recently, stating that, “I could see 3-4 teams taking him in the second or third round because you have to have one of those guys who can clog both A-gaps. He blows up everything inside and he does it well.”

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Like Garrett, Mathis could provide a long-term solution should the team not bring back Hankins. The Raiders were not consistent in stopping the run nor in getting to opposing quarterbacks, Mathis could end up helping in both departments.