Draft: Grant, Collins & other nose tackles to keep tabs on

Who can replace John Jenkins in the Raiders’ starting lineup?

The Las Vegas Raiders will likely look for another starting option at nose tackle during the 2025 NFL Draft this weekend. John Jenkins — the Raiders’ starting nose over the last two seasons — is currently a free agent, and the club hasn’t brought in a suitable replacement yet this offseason.

So, let’s get familiar with a few notable nose tackles in this year’s draft class ahead of the weekend. All draft projections are via NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board and as of April 21.

Kenneth Grant, Michigan

Draft projection: 1st round (26th overall)

Grant is fairly versatile as he could also line up as a 3-technique. That said, he might have a better future at nose in the NFL as the former Wolverine is a stout run defender who can take on double teams. The biggest issue with Grant landing in Las Vegas is that he’d be a reach with the sixth overall pick, but may not make it to the second round. If by some chance the Michigan product does slide over the weekend, he’d make a lot of sense with the 37th overall selection.

Alfred Collins, Texas

Draft projection: 2nd round (63rd overall)

While Collins only lined up in the A-gap on 146 out of 593 total snaps this past season, per Pro Football Focus, he profiles well at nose tackle. The 6-foot-6 and 332-pounder with 34⅝-inch arms is the definition of a monster in the trenches. He’s an excellent run defender who can hold his ground against double teams to be a defense’s gap-filler. Look for the former Longhorn to be a Day 2 target as he seems to fit into the late-second-to-early-third-round category.

Jordan Phillips, Maryland

Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Draft projection: 5th round (130th overall)

In full disclosure, I’m higher on Phillips than the consensus. To me, he’s arguably the best defensive lineman in the draft class when it comes to taking on double teams. The former Terripan was a wrestler and competitive weight lifter in high school and made Bruce Feldman’s Freaks list with some impressive weight room numbers. That strength shows up on tape to be an immovable object against the run. In my opinion, Phillips is one of those rare Day 3 prospects who could be an immediate starter.

Joshua Farmer, Florida State

Draft projection: 3rd round (80th overall)

Similar to Collins, Farmer didn’t take many snaps at nose in college and is more of a projection at that spot. But he is a good run defender and has 35-inch arms to get plenty of extension on blocks. At 305 pounds, the Florida State product could afford to add some size to line up over the center and be more consistent against double teams.

Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon

Draft projection: 4th round (117th overall)

Admittedly, the consensus board is slightly higher on Caldwell than I am. He has shown some impressive reps against double teams, including plays where he splits both blockers and makes the tackle. However, he lacks consistency in that phase of the game, to me. Regardless, the Oregon product should be a Day 3 target for the Raiders and has impressive movement skills for his size to potentially contribute as a pass-rusher.

CJ West, Indiana

Draft projection: 4th round (106th overall)

West is an interesting projection when it comes to playing nose tackle in the NFL. He spent a lot of time in the A-gaps at both Kent State and Indiana, but is more of a gap-shooter than a typical gap-filling nose tackle. Either way, the Raiders would be getting an interior defender who can make an impact against the run by taking the former Hoosier on Day 3 of the draft.