Raiders go on the defensive in latest 3-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 12: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders leans on his helmet prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on December 12, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 12: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders leans on his helmet prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on December 12, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 4: Phidarian Mathis #48 of the Alabama Crimson Tide shakes hands with Nick Saban during the SEC Championship trophy presentation during a game between Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 4, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Steven Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 4: Phidarian Mathis #48 of the Alabama Crimson Tide shakes hands with Nick Saban during the SEC Championship trophy presentation during a game between Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 4, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Steven Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

A defensive tackle with a championship pedigree?

The Raiders need help on their defensive line’s interior and picking up Phidarian Mathis would certainly alleviate that need. So many interior defenders from Nick Saban’s program at Alabama have made their way to the NFL, such as Quinnen Williams in 2019 and Christian Barmore last year.

As a defensive tackle, Mathis dominated while lined up inside. He plays with such ferocity, it’s nearly violent. The way he angrily stops running backs in their tracks is a thing of beauty.  In his last two seasons with the Crimson Tide, Mathis sacked opposing quarterbacks a total of 10.5 times, while also penetrating the backfield and accumulating 15.5 tackles for a loss. PFF graded 76.5 in the pass-rushing department and 77.5 in run blocking.

Mathis possesses a deadly combination of athleticism, a high motor, and strength that will help him succeed at the next level. Will it be with the Raiders?