Defensive Interior linemen squarely on Raiders draft radar

We could very well see the Raiders select one of these defensive linemen in April’s draft

For the second offseason in a row, the Raiders saw a near-complete overhaul on the defensive interior line. The one holdover has been nose tackle Johnathan Hankins.

However, there is a big difference between what the Raiders did last year and what they have done this year. Last year they scooped up several guys who were either proven (Quinton Jefferson), had success in the past (Darius Philon) or had the potential as a once highly regarded prospect (Solomon Thomas).

The closest they have to a proven player among the new additions is Bilal Nichols, who has 11 sacks over his four NFL seasons and has been a full-time starter the past three seasons.

What is needed is a young interior rusher to compete for snaps in a rotation. Here are some potential interior linemen who would be just what the Raiders need and could be on the board when they make their picks.