Raiders 2022 free agency big board: 10 realistic free agents remaining

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 9: The sleek, silver and black steel and glass Allegiant Stadium plays host to Sunday Night Football between the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers on January 9, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Located on 62 acres adjacent to Interstate 15 and west of the Mandalay Bay and Luxor Hotel & Casinos, the recently completed $1.9 billion domed stadium (actually located in Paradise, Nevada) has become a hit with Raiders fans. It is not only the home of the National Football League Las Vegas Raiders but also the UNLV Rebels football team of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and will be home to Super Bowel LVIII (2024). (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 9: The sleek, silver and black steel and glass Allegiant Stadium plays host to Sunday Night Football between the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers on January 9, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Located on 62 acres adjacent to Interstate 15 and west of the Mandalay Bay and Luxor Hotel & Casinos, the recently completed $1.9 billion domed stadium (actually located in Paradise, Nevada) has become a hit with Raiders fans. It is not only the home of the National Football League Las Vegas Raiders but also the UNLV Rebels football team of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and will be home to Super Bowel LVIII (2024). (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 26: Solomon Thomas #92 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after the win against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 26: Solomon Thomas #92 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after the win against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Raiders 2022 free agency big board: 10 realistic free agents remaining

Defensive Line

Solomon Thomas

Thomas played right here in Vegas last season and showed heart and leadership thoroughly through the year. He loved being a Raider and there’s no reason why the Raiders shouldn’t love the idea of him returning. Thomas is versatile and can play end in a pinch, although the interior is his game.

It’s a new system with Patrick Graham, but there’s already some chemistry with Crosby.

Akiem Hicks

The Raiders have already scooped up one player on the ’21 Bears’ defensive line, but why stop there? Like Nichols, assistant GM Champ Kelly is plenty familiar with Hicks. He has a history of getting to the quarterback and has taken steps elsewhere to round his game.

The second defensive interior player for the Raiders’ line has yet to be determined, but why not make it someone Nichols already has chemistry with?