Free agency kicks off on Monday during the legal tampering period. But will the Raiders be active right away? And should they?
One position that they must upgrade quickly is at defensive tackle. The Raiders had one of the league’s worst run defenses last season and they could be losing Johnathan Hankins this offseason, as well. So what defensive tackle would make sense for the Raiders in free agency?
In a recent article by Sheil Kapadia of The Athletic, he projected three free agents that every team will sign this offseason. For the Raiders, that included J.C. Jackson and Forunso Fatukasi. Here is what he had to say about both players and their fit with Las Vegas:
“GM Dave Ziegler and coach Josh McDaniels know Jackson well from their time together in New England. The Raiders will be facing Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Russell Wilson six times a year.
They need playmaking corners, and Jackson is one of the best. His 22 interceptions over the past three seasons are tops in the NFL, and his 47 passes defended are tied for second. Fatukasi should be an affordable nose tackle. And Norwell gives the Raiders a competent starter at guard.”
Fatukasi is just 27 years old as he was drafted in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He has since appeared in 45 games tallying 18 tackles for a loss. While he isn’t a pass rusher, he is one of the better run-stopping defensive tackles in the entire league.
The Raiders are still expected to search for pass-rush help at defensive tackle in free agency and in the draft. But Fatukasi would be a perfect replacement for Hankins and would likely be an upgrade, as well. Keep an eye on him and his market as the Raiders are expected to show interest in the former Connecticut defensive tackle.
[listicle id=91687]
[lawrence-newsletter]