We take a look at the interior defensive line for the Raiders as the draft approaches to give it a condition of either Strong, Stable, Unstable, Serious, or Critical.
Current projected starters: Bilal Nichols, John Jenkins
Depth: Jordan Willis, Adam Butler, Neil Farrell Jr, Matthew Butler, Adam Butler, Kyle Peko, Jerry Tillery
Andrew Billings was the Raiders’ best interior defensive lineman last season. So, of course, he was allowed to leave in free agency.
Though, to be honest, even Billings’s play wasn’t a high bar to clear. Which shows just how poorly this group performed last season. Their answer was to add Jordan Willis and 34-year-old John Jenkins.
Last year they used a couple draft picks on Neil Farrell Jr and Matthew Butler, but as of yet they have not shown they are the answer at either interior DL spot. And thus, the team is still left with glaring need.
Condition: Serious
It’s still past time for this team take this spot seriously and bring in a dominant force in the middle. Though that may be a tough ask in this draft with all their other needs.
