As free agency approaches, the Las Vegas Raiders have plenty of needs to fill. One area in which they could use some help is at defensive tackle. While Matthew Butler and Neil Farrell Jr. should have much larger roles this season, we still have no idea how productive they are going to be yet. The Raiders could use another body or two up front. It would not hurt to bring in someone with a proven track record either. This upcoming free agency period boasts a wonderful crop of defensive tackles. Here are a few that the Raiders should take a look at.
5 DTs That Instantly Improve The Raiders
Fletcher Cox
It is probably a long shot, but Cox is too good to not start with him. One thing that the 11-year Eagles vet would provide is a legitimate pass-rushing threat up the middle. Cox had seven sacks last season, which is right around his career average. That sort of production up the middle is something that the Raiders desperately need, and he would complement Maxx Crosby quite well. However, to secure the 32-year-old’s services, the Raiders will have to pay a hefty price.
Ndamukong Suh
Sticking with members of the NFC champion Eagles, here is an older and cheaper option that the Raiders could pursue. This is a name that the Raiders seemingly get linked to every year. He is just one of those guys that seems born to wear the Silver and Black. Setting aside the mystique, Suh was a solid rotational player in Philly after joining midway through the season. He recorded 10 tackles and a sack while playing 35 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. Essentially, Suh would provide some depth and much-needed leadership to a young group of defensive tackles at a relatively low price.
Dalvin Tomlinson
At 6’3″ and 325 pounds, Tomlinson is a big space eater in the middle. Not only is he stout against the run, but he can provide a solid pass rush as well. While he may have only recorded 2.5 sacks last year, he did manage to hit the quarterback 10 times. Tomlinson has a similar build to Farrell, so he could platoon with him while also providing a great role model for the second-year Raider. Another bonus is that he does have some familiarity with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. Finally, the price tag wouldn’t be too bad either. Compared to the other starting-caliber defensive tackles available, Tomlinson is pretty affordable and could likely be had for less than $10 million per year.
Sheldon Rankins
Rankins is coming off of another steady year with the Jets, finishing with a career-high 43 tackles. As far as pass-rushing goes, he is typically good for about three sacks a year but erupted for eight in 2018 with the Saints. He would be a great piece for the Raiders for 50 to 60 percent of their defensive snaps. As far as compensation goes, he will likely fall into that high single-digit range like Tomlinson.
Shy Tuttle
If the Raiders feel good about their young guys but still want some insurance, Tuttle could be a great addition. He is a former undrafted free agent who has spent his first four years in the league with the Saints. Each season, he has earned a larger percentage of snaps. The production has steadily risen as well. While he is due a pay day, his market value is fairly reasonable. The Raiders have a chance to buy low on a guy with some breakout potential.
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