Starter: Justin Ellis
Depth: Darius Latham, Paul Boyette
Additions: None
Departures: Dan Williams, Stacy McGee
Last season former fourth rounder Justin Ellis had first team duties from the start of training camp ahead of Dan Williams who showed up out of shape. Come the season, Ellis was again in a rotation at the nose tackle spot and ended up seeing fewer starts than he had in his first two seasons.
Meanwhile the Raiders had the league’s 23rd ranked defense vs the run and by far the worst interior pass rush.
Following an extremely disappointing season from Williams, he was released as expected and the team didn’t make any moves in the offseason to replace him.
Latham was a standout as an undrafted rookie last offseason and saw action in 14 games with a couple starts. He could look to receive even more snaps this season and perhaps more starts as well. Boyette was added as an undrafted free agent this offseason.
Condition: Serious
Dan Williams was a loss before he actually left. Stacy McGee looked like the best option at the nose tackle spot before he was lost to injury and he left as a free agent as well.
It was unwise with all the problems the Raiders had in the middle of the defensive line to not make it a priority. That being said, there are wildcards here. Rookie 3rd round pick Eddie Vanderdoes and 7th round pick Treyvon Hester could potentially play at any interior defensive line position. If you look at it from that perspective, the Raiders have options that may allow them to get by. Though it’s not ideal.
Also see the condition of: Quarterback, Running back, Wide receiver, Tight end, Offensive tackle, Offensive guard, Center, Defensive interior
Poll
What position do you think the Raiders’ nose tackle position is in?
This poll is closed
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1%
Strong
-
10%
Stable
-
43%
Touch and go
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27%
Serious
-
15%
Critical
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