The Las Vegas Raiders are switching to a 3-4 base defense. That has been confirmed by head coach Klint Kubiak, who appointed Rob Leonard as defensive coordinator to oversee the change. That means the Raiders will be required to roster a run-stopping nose tackle.
Despite that, the Raiders haven’t signed one in free agency. The only defensive lineman on the Raiders’ roster with the size profile of a nose tackle is JJ Pegues. Pegues played just 137 total defensive snaps in 2025 and earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 37.7 for his run defense. Not exactly ideal.
The Raiders are almost certainly going to select a nose tackle during the 2026 NFL draft. We’ve identified three potential options.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald is arguably the best pure nose tackle prospect in the draft. The Buckeyes standout recently confirmed he has a pre-draft visit with the Raiders. McDonald is a fringe first-round pick, so the Raiders would probably have significant interest if he lasts until 36th overall.
Domonique Orange, NT, Iowa State
Domonique “Big Citrus” Orange is a sturdy nose tackle who has been injured throughout the pre-draft process, limiting his participation. During the college football season, he was considered a potential top-75 pick. The 322-pound Orange has seen his pre-draft stock suffer as a result of injury, meaning the Raiders may manage to steal him on draft weekend.
Tim Keenan III, NT, Alabama
Alabama’s Tim Keenan III measured in at 6-foot-1 and 327 pounds at the NFL Combine. The Crimson Tide standout is your typical girthy and thick nose tackle. Keenan registered significant tackles for loss throughout his career at Alabama, and should be available on late Day 3.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: 3 nose tackles Raiders could target during the 2026 NFL draft
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