Las Vegas Raiders: Defensive Tackles who fit Gus Bradley’s scheme
By BD Williams
Possible Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle targets that fit the scheme in the 2021 NFL Draft
Christian Barmore – Alabama – 6’5 310 – Late 1st, early 2nd
Christian Barmore is the quintessential gap-shooting defensive tackle. His playstyle is more like a defensive end despite weighing over 300 pounds. While Barmore’s pass rush plan and technique is superior to the other defensive tackles in this draft, his ability to stop the run is the worst on this list.
Barmore is a boom or bust player who could be the next Fletcher Cox if he puts it all together.
Levi Onwuzurike – Washington – 6’3 290 – Late 1st, early 2nd
Levi Onwuzurike has the highest ceiling of any DT in this draft due to the insane play strength contained in his relatively smaller (for a defensive tackle) frame. A bowling ball on the football field, the Washington product routinely sends offensive linemen flying who attempt to block him.
His pass rush toolbox isn’t very impressive at the moment, but the things you can’t learn (quickness, explosiveness, and power) Onwuzurike has in spades.
Marlon Tuipulotu – Southern Cal – 6’3 305 – Day 2
Marlon Tuipulotu is a fast riser in the draft community after playing very well at the Senior Bowl, as he backed up his strong tape from the 2020 season. A one man wrecking crew, Tuipulotu has the upper body strength to stone blockers in their tracks, disengage, and makes plays against the run. He also has the quickness and agility to be a gap shooter who can win as a pass rusher.
Cameron Sample – Tulane – 6’3 280 – Day 3
Cam Sample is an interesting name to monitor during the draft process. He played defensive end at Tulane, however, when he showed up to the Senior Bowl he was asked to play defensive tackle. Reports from the Senior Bowl indicated Sample was nearly unblockable as an interior rusher.
Of course another position change might not be something that Raiders fans want to see, but Sample is a name that is trending upwards.
Darius Stills – West Virginia – 6’1 290 – Day 3
Darius Stills is a very fun player who only projects to a handful of defensive schemes because he is so undersized for the defensive tackle position. While his measureables might be underwhelming, watching Stills on tape is anything but.
Stills is a ball of knives who out-quicks or over-powers the blockers across from him to make plays as a pass rusher and run stopper. Stills would thrive as an under-tackle in Bradley’s scheme but could also play nose-tackle in some situations.