Raiders are now more confident in one of their biggest offseason flaws because of players stepping up big-time in training camp
The Las Vegas Raiders are confident in their defensive line depth after some players have been showing out during training camp.
The Las Vegas Raiders feel confident about their defensive line depth heading into the 2026 season, and that confidence is showing up on the practice field. Las Vegas defensive tackle Thomas Booker voiced that belief after a padded training camp practice, pointing to the group’s overall quality as a reason for optimism.
The Raiders’ defensive line wasn’t a position group you could have praised for its depth last year, but several young players are changing that narrative this offseason. Booker put it plainly after practice.
“In the NFL, you are as good as the last guy you have on the offensive line, so depth is super important, and I think we have a very deep group. The standard is set. This is what defensive line play looks like for the Raiders.”
He’s completely right. The defensive line has played well during training camp, especially once the pads came on. Until that point, you can’t truly evaluate offensive or defensive linemen because those positions are made for contact. But Booker believes the group is good, largely because other players are stepping up around him.
The projected starters and the depth behind them
In the Raiders’ base 3-4 defense, Booker projects to hold down the defensive end spot. Adam Butler will likely be the nose tackle, and Jonah Laulu figures to start at defensive tackle.
The big name behind Booker is Tonka Hemingway, the second-year player who has been having a masterclass of an offseason. Hemingway is the player we’ve heard the most about on the defensive line, and it’s refreshing to see a draft pick from last year generating that kind of buzz. Behind Hemingway sits Treven Ma’ae, who played a bit last season. Having Ma’ae as a third defensive end is fine depth, though you could always improve.
At nose tackle behind Butler, the Raiders brought in Benito Jones, a free agent signing from Miami. Jones has the size to hold that spot, but Vegas would probably still like to upgrade there. Regardless, his presence matters.
Without him, Brandon Cleveland, the seventh-round pick, or JJ Pegues would have been the backup nose tackle. Pegues is currently listed as the backup defensive tackle after his rookie season, and behind him is Gary Smith III, an undrafted free agent.
Why the Raiders feel good about the group
On paper, the depth chart might not scream elite. But you can see why the Raiders feel the way they do. Several of these young players are taking clear steps forward. Booker didn’t arrive until the final preseason game last year, so this full training camp experience is new for him. Hemingway and Pegues have both made noticeable strides, with Hemingway standing out in particular.
That’s exactly what you want from young players in an offseason like this. That also doesn’t account for the outside linebackers who will rush off the edge and come down into the box — players like Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce, Kwity Paye, and Keyron Crawford. When you factor in those pass rushers, Las Vegas looks good defensively.
The reality check
Training camp is training camp. Just because a group plays well in practice doesn’t mean that success translates to the regular season. Almost every position group looks good in camp because those sessions are often designed to let the team see success. You don’t always know what you’re going to get against another team’s scheme and talent.
Until the first preseason game, or really the first practice against another roster, we won’t know if this defensive line will be great. We probably won’t have a true answer until the middle of the regular season. But right now, the Raiders are confident in the direction they’re heading, and Booker’s words carry weight. The defensive line could quietly become one of the more pleasant surprises on this roster in 2026.
