2026 Raiders NFL Draft: Leading Defensive Tackle for Rob Leonard’s Strategy
The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching, and the Las Vegas Raiders are set to make an impact with the first overall pick. They have a total of ten selections, including significant picks in the first, second, and third rounds. This provides them an excellent opportunity to bolster their defensive line as they aim to adapt their strategy under new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard.
Raiders’ Draft Picks Overview
- First Round: 1st overall
- Second Round: 36th overall
- Third Round: 67th overall
- Fourth Round:
- 102nd
- 117th
- 134th
- Fifth Round: 175th overall
- Sixth Round:
- 185th
- 208th
- Seventh Round: 219th overall
Defensive Line Strategy for the 2026 Draft
This year, the Raiders are expected to target a defensive tackle early in the draft, focusing on the evolution of defensive schemes under Leonard. His coaching experience includes tactics from Mike MacDonald and Brian Flores, indicating a preference for versatile defensive fronts.
Understanding Defensive Tactics
The focus will likely shift towards 1-technique defensive tackles, as traditional 0-technique alignment is becoming less common in today’s game. Recent trends suggest that teams utilize base formations only about 24-28% of the time. This change means the Raiders require a defensive tackle capable of quick inside leverage and agility rather than just mass.
The Raiders ranked seventh in run defense last season, underlining the success of their current defensive approach. Their goal is to capitalize on one-gap principles that prioritize speed and decisiveness, allowing defenders to penetrate the backfield effectively.
Potential Defensive Tackle Prospects
The Raiders’ draft strategy will target several defensive tackles who fit their approach. Here are notable prospects to consider:
- Domonique Orange (Iowa State)
- Height: 6’4″ | Weight: 325 lbs
- Career TFL: 7 | Sacks: 1 | Run Stops: 38
- Versatile, strong run defender despite limited pass-rushing ability.
- Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati)
- Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 335 lbs
- Career TFL: 17 | Sacks: 9.5
- One of the best run defenders in this draft class with limited pass rush skills.
- Christen Miller (Georgia)
- Height: 6’4″ | Weight: 321 lbs
- Career TFL: 11.5 | Sacks: 4.5
- Excellent first step and versatile; could adjust well into the Raiders’ system.
- Landon Robinson (Navy)
- Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 287 lbs
- Career TFL: 18.5 | Sacks: 14.5
- Elite athleticism with potential to excel as a versatile defender.
Conclusion
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Las Vegas Raiders have an opportunity to revolutionize their defensive line. With ten picks in their arsenal and a focus on selecting players that fit Rob Leonard’s adaptive strategy, the potential for significant improvement is high. Bolstering their defensive front with talented, versatile prospects will be crucial in enhancing their overall team performance in the upcoming season.
