Raiders DC Rob Leonard praised fan favorite lineman Laki Tasi in a way that is sure to get the fan base fired up
The Las Vegas Raiders took a swing at Laki Tasi, and he has since changed positions.
The Las Vegas Raiders have a player who’s become a fan favorite. And, no, it’s not a star player or anything like that. Instead, an International Pathway Program Player, in Laki Tasi, has made headlines. His size, combined with his moving ability, has everyone intrigued.
When he first joined a few years ago, he was a defensive tackle. Last year, Pete Carroll and Brennen Carroll, the offensive line coach, moved him to the offensive side of the ball. Now, he’s back on the other side where he belongs, and there’s been nothing but high praise for him so far.
“Yeah, he’s all in it. He’s in there doing extra, watching tape with Maxx [Crosby],” The kid is very aware. One thing I notice about Laki [Tasi] is he can correct himself quickly, and that’s a tough transition from never playing football to going to offense, coming back to defense, and things happen fast, but he’s learning, he’s doing a good job.”
Tasi doesn’t have much experience playing football. Since he’s going to be on defense now, and on the defensive line, there’s no one you want helping him more than Maxx Crosby. Grinding tape with Crosby is one of the best things he could do during this process.
Laki Tasi could have a path to making the 53-man roster
The Raiders don’t really have a traditional nose tackle. They don’t have a guy who can eat space and close gaps in the run game. They have a few guys they could try to slide into that position, like J.J. Pegues, Adam Butler, Benito Jones, and rookie Brandon Cleveland. Those are the guys he will be competing with for the position. However, none of those guys is as big and strong as Tasi.
If Tasi were to make the roster at the end of training camp, it would have to be as a great nose tackle. The Raiders are changing from a 4-3 scheme to a 3-4 scheme in 2026. In the 3-4 scheme, you need someone big in the middle. But, they won’t always be in an odd-man front. Sometimes they will have an even man front. If Tasi wants to make the roster, he will have to hone his skills as a good nose tackle.