Las Vegas Raiders sign former Oklahoma Sooners DT off of waivers after roster cutdown
The Las Vegas Raiders just finished cutting 37 players on Tuesday, and have spent all day on Wednesday trying to figure out the waiver claims they would put in. On Wednesday, we learned that the Raiders have claimed a defensive back and a defensive tackle off waivers, which is no surprise, really. They landed Thomas Harper, […]
The Las Vegas Raiders just finished cutting 37 players on Tuesday, and have spent all day on Wednesday trying to figure out the waiver claims they would put in.
On Wednesday, we learned that the Raiders have claimed a defensive back and a defensive tackle off waivers, which is no surprise, really. They landed Thomas Harper, a defensive back from Notre Dame, and Jonah Laulu, a defensive tackle who played with the Oklahoma Sooners.
Thomas Harper, DB
Originally from Oklahoma State, Harper decided to transfer to Notre Dame, bringing his experience and skills to the Fighting Irish's defense last season. In 11 games, Harper started in 10, accumulating 39 tackles, including 25 solo, with six tackles for loss, and two sacks. He also recorded three pass breakups and forced a fumble.
Harper primarily played as a nickel/slot cornerback, showcasing his versatility and toughness. Despite not receiving an invite to the NFL Combine, Harper's Pro Day at Notre Dame was impressive, where he demonstrated his athleticism, which likely helped him secure an undrafted free agent deal with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Now he's on the Raiders.
Jonah Laulu, DT
Laulu began his college football journey at Hawaii, where he initially played as part of the scout team before emerging as a key player. His move to Oklahoma in 2022 was huge, and he was a great player on their defense. A big reason why is because of his transitioning from a defensive end to a defensive tackle.
In his time with the Sooners, Laulu recorded 31 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks over two seasons. Laulu's physical attributes and athleticism were on full display during Oklahoma's Pro Day. Despite not receiving an invitation to the NFL Combine, Laulu's Pro Day performance caught the eye of NFL scouts. His selection by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round (234th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft was a testament to his potential.
