Brandon Cleveland’s run defense gives chance for role on Las Vegas Raiders’ roster after 2026 NFL draft
Personally, I think the Raiders’ defensive struggles in 2025 were a wake-up call that the franchise needs to rethink its approach to talent acquisition. The 229th pick in the 2026 draft—Brandon Cleveland, a NC State defensive tackle—offers a unique opportunity to address a gaping hole in the secondary, but his journey from underdog to potential cornerstone is as much a story as the football itself.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Cleveland’s stats align with the Raiders’ needs. With a 75.2 run defense grade (tied for fourth among ACC defensive tackles) and 19 defensive stops (same as the Chiefs’ first-round pick Peter Woods), Cleveland isn’t just a pass rusher—he’s a physical disruptor. His 1.5-yard average depth of tackle in 2025 suggests he can control the line of scrimmage, a skill the Raiders desperately need in their middle of the line. But here’s the twist: Cleveland’s best game came against Duke in Week 4, where he dominated with 13 tackles and two sacks. That clip, which features him slanting into the A-gap while the WILL linebacker blitzes in the B-gap, reveals a player who can both read the play and execute a two-gap technique. If he can replicate that in training camp, he could become a true 0-technique nose tackle.
The Raiders’ decision to draft Cleveland in the seventh round is a gamble, but it’s rooted in a broader trend of undrafted players becoming pivotal contributors. While Benito Jones, the 2020 NFL rookie, has been a consistent presence in the front seven, his PFF run defense grade of 52.3 (the lowest among NFL prospects) underscores the risk. Meanwhile, JJ Pegues and Adam Butler—both sixth-round picks—lack the consistency to fill the gap. Cleveland’s ability to win at the point of attack, especially against quality competition, could redefine what a 0-technique nose tackle looks like. If he can anchor the line with his strength and hands, the Raiders might see him as a dual threat: a run defender and a pass rusher.
But there’s a catch. Cleveland’s below-average arm length (32⅜ inches) puts him at a disadvantage in tight coverage, where shorter arms struggle to escape blocks. This is a critical oversight in the Raiders’ defensive scheme, which relies heavily on the center and guard to create space. His success will depend on his ability to keep his hands tight inside the offensive lineman’s body, a detail that could determine whether he becomes a reliable force or a fleeting fantasy. The Raiders’ coaching staff will need to trust him to play with the same intensity as a traditional nose tackle, even if he’s lighter than the average player.
This draft highlights a paradox: the Raiders are investing in a player who’s not traditionally a nose tackle, but their system demands a hybrid. Cleveland’s versatility—his ability to switch between 2i- and 0-technique setups—could make him a linchpin in a defense that’s struggling to contain the run. If he can prove himself in training camp, the Raiders might see him as a starter in the fall, a move that could shake up the NFL’s defensive landscape. It’s a gamble, but one that reflects the franchise’s willingness to take risks in a crowded draft. Personally, I think this is a sign of things to come: teams that prioritize adaptability over tradition are finding unexpected success.
