Roster cutdown day was on Sunday, which means that the Las Vegas Raiders have now released their initial 53-man roster and are ready to head into the 2026 NFL season. Of course, they'll add players in the coming days and weeks, but most of the roster is set, especially the Week 1 starters.
One player who has emerged as a full-time starter this summer is second-year defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway. The 2025 fourth-round pick ended last season as a player on the rise, as he recorded four sacks in the last five games when he finally got extended snaps.
That momentum carried into the offseason program and training camp, where Hemingway created plenty of buzz ahead of his sophomore season. He was constantly making plays and quickly became the starter on the interior next to veteran Adam Butler, beating out Jonah Laulu and Thomas Booker.
Hemingway has improved against the run, and he made plenty of big plays during camp. However, Hemingway shines most while rushing the passer, and fans saw some of that firsthand during the third and final preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Raiders' Tonka Hemingway showed pass-rush prowess in preseason finale
The best attribute that Hemingway has is his athleticism, which he frequently relies on to win reps. He has great lateral quickness and great bend for the position, which is why he can win in the middle of the field. And fans can see his development every time he plays.
In the rep below, 49ers quarterback Mac Jones is forced to get rid of the ball early before the play develops. The alignment Hemingway wins from is what makes this play stand out, as he is lined up as a big end in the Raiders' 3-4 defensive look.
After the snap, fans can see Hemingway get off the ball quickly and put together a nice move. He hits a jab-step, then a rip, showing his bend, and gets pressure on the quarterback. With better coverage, this play ends in a sack.
On another play, Hemingway was clearly held. Here, though, fans can see his quickness in full effect. He beats the guard off the ball, which forces him to grab on to Hemingway, and while the penalty wasn’t called, it's clear that the Raiders' young DT can be a problem for interior offensive linemen.
Having an interior player who can win quickly is key for the Raiders to take the next step in pressuring the quarterback. Maxx Crosby is the consistent player on the edge, but if players can win inside, he can reach new heights without having to deal with double and triple teams.
Hopefully, these efforts from Hemingway bleed into the regular season. Interior pressure gives every quarterback a chance to struggle in the pocket. It is time for the Raiders to have their chance at the fun.
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