KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Raiders select NC State DT Brandon Cleveland with No. 229 overall pick
- 307-lb nose tackle brings “dirty work” mentality to Patrick Graham’s defense
- Run stuffer extraordinaire: 107 tackles, 16 TFL, 6.0 sacks at NC State
- Zero-technique anchor allows edge rushers to play with more freedom
- Final pick of 2026 Draft signals commitment to trench toughness
With the No. 229 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders have selected defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland out of NC State.
This pick was the second half of the trade capital acquired from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier today, and the Raiders used it to address one of the most vital needs for any Patrick Graham defense: interior girth. Cleveland, a massive presence from the Wolfpack’s front, brings a “dirty work” mentality to the Silver and Black.
The Profile: The Human Roadblock
At NC State, Brandon Cleveland made a living doing the things that don’t always show up in the box score but make linebackers fall in love with you. Standing 6’3″ and weighing in at a stout 307 lbs (having played as high as 325 lbs in college), he is the definition of a space-eater.
- Run Stuffer Extraordinaire: Cleveland finished his college career with 107 tackles and 16 tackles for loss. His low center of gravity makes him nearly impossible to move off his spot in 1-on-1 matchups.
- Versatility: While he projects primarily as a zero-technique (nose tackle), Cleveland has shown the agility to slide out to the three-technique, giving the Raiders flexibility in their heavy personnel packages.
- The “Bull” Rush: While not a refined speed rusher, his raw power is a problem for interior linemen. He recorded 6.0 sacks in college by simply overpowering centers and collapsing the pocket from the inside out.
A Masterclass in Day 3 Value
The Raiders essentially turned their original 185th pick into both a vertical deep threat (Malik Benson) and a foundational run defender (Brandon Cleveland). In a division where you have to stop the run to earn the right to rush the passer, Cleveland provides the “anchor” that allows the Raiders’ edge rushers to play with more freedom.
WALK THE PLANK
The Raiders’ draft board is likely empty now, and they finished it with a “meat and potatoes” pick. Brandon Cleveland isn’t going to lead the league in sacks, but he’s the guy who takes on two blockers so everyone else can shine. By drafting a nose tackle with their final selection, Vegas is sending a clear message: the 2026 defense will be built on toughness, discipline, and a refusal to be pushed around in the trenches. The Raiders have officially closed their book on the 2026 Draft, and they did it by getting bigger, faster, and much harder to play against.
