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The Las Vegas Raiders are trying to become a postseason team again in 2024.
They will try to do that by adding young talent in the 2024 NFL Draft to hopefully push them into the playoffs. Coach Antonio Pierce and General Manager Tom Telesco hope to build the foundation of their regime.
Pierce helped turn the Raiders’ defense around in 2023, especially the pass rush unit. While they were strong in that regard, they could still add young talent to that department.
One player who could help them bolster their depth is Clemson defensive end Xavier Thomas. Once a top-flight high school recruit, Thomas spent six years with the Tigers. He is now off to the NFL.
Thomas finished his Tigers career with 116 total tackles, 33 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles, seven passes defended, and 18 sacks. He was a two-time Third-Team All-ACC member.
Thomas is a bit undersized to be an edge rusher in the NFL, but he makes up for it with his motor skills and athleticism. He stands at 6-foot-2 and weighs 250 pounds. His athleticism is evident on tape as he explodes off the ball and uses his strength to beat offensive linemen.
As a pass rusher, Thomas gets his pad level low when he gets off the snap and uses that leverage to win his match-up. He is a good mover and can bend around the edge, showing flexibility in his hips. He can drive his lower body, which helps him drive into offensive linemen.
Thomas can line up in a two or three-point stance and is effective when doing both. He has strong hands and long arms that he quickly gets into a lineman’s body. According to Pro Football Focus, Thomas generated 148 total pressures in his long collegiate career.
While he is a solid pass-rusher, Thomas may be at his best at the next level as a run defender. He has a broad base and a strong motor and will never take a play off. The Raiders need another edge defender to set the edge, and Thomas could be that.
Despite playing six seasons in college, Thomas is still a raw player, which is a concern. He relies on his size and physicality to win match-ups off the edge, which will not always work against NFL-caliber linemen.
Thomas is projected to be a day three selection. If the Raiders are looking for an edge defender with experience, Thomas could provide good depth.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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