Las Vegas Raiders Defensive & Special Teams UDFA Scouting

Sep 13, 2025; Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; Hawaii Rainbow Warriors kicker Kansei Matsuzawa (17) kicks a field goal against the Portland State Vikings during the third quarter at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-Imagn Images | Marco Garcia-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to build depth on their roster, and after selecting DB’s Treydan Stukes, Dalton Johnson, Hezekiah Massses, and Jermod McCoy along with defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland, and EDGE rusher Keyron Crawford. The Raiders have built more depth on their defense this off-season, and they’ll have a few undrafted free agents to push for roster spots as well. The Raiders saw Greedy Vance & Jahfari Harvey take snaps as undrafted free agents last season, and a few others looking to push for a spot this off-season including defensive lineman Treven Ma’Ae. The Raiders undrafted free agent class is headlined by Cian Slone, Xavian Sorey, and Maine standout Chris Thomas with all three having a potential to push for the roster in 2026.

NT Gary Smith III, UCLA
HT: 6’1 | WT: 319 | Games: 50
Stats: 111 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 2 FF, 5.8% pass rush win rate, 58 run stops
Testing: 26 Vert, 5.16 Shuttle, 6.48 3-Cone | N/A RAS
Positional Splits:

• 0-Tech: 167 snaps

• 1-Tech: 92 snaps

• 2-Tech: 746 snaps

• 3-Tech: 401 snaps

• 4-Tech: 68 snaps

• Smith didn’t play in 2024, but he returned in 2025. Smith is a run defending first defensive tackle, he has a really strong lower half, extremely powerful feet, and he anchors incredibly well. Smith has good physical size, but he’s lacking length, and despite being 6’1, he doesn’t show a ton of leverage skills either. Smith wins with his strength and mass, and he understands the run exceptionally well. Smith breaks down blocks, works well laterally, and he has a quick first step to get upfield. Smith doesn’t show an over the top second step, he needs to get better at form tackling, and Smith doesn’t show a ton of pop in his hands or chest either. He’s likely to shift inside to a true 0/1 technique, but he’s not played there most of his career comparative to a 2/3 Tech. He’s able to be a run defender in the NFL, but he’s severely limited with his pass rush ability, showing limited movement skills, and his hand combat needs work as well. Smith showcases traits to anchor and use his strength, but the lack of overall athleticism is concerning, and he’ll have rather weak competition to make the roster. The Raiders don’t have a top nose tackle, but they do have three bodies above Smith including 2026 7th rounder Brandon Cleveland, and NFL IPP signing Laki Tasi who’s now working at NT again.

Competition: Brandon Cleveland, Brodric Martin

EDGE Cian Slone, NC State
HT: 6’3 | WT: 245 | Games: 38
Stats: 138 tackles, 23 TFL, 11 sacks, INT, 5 PBU, 104 pressures, 41 hits, 11.1% pass rush win rate, 51 run stops
Testing: 4.66 40 (1.56 10-Split), 35.5 Vert, 10’01 Broad, 4.35 Shuttle, 6.99 3-Cone, 23 reps | 9.30 RAS
Positional Splits:

• 5-Tech: 472 snaps

• 7-Tech: 741 snaps

• 9-Tech: 278 snaps

• I like Slone, and I think of all the Raiders UDFA’s he has a really really good chance to make the NFL 53 man roster. Slone started at JUCO, transferred to Utah State, and then NC State. He saw a ton of production during his time at Utah State, but his 2025 production wasn’t amazing with just 2.5 sacks though he logged 44 pressures & a 14.8% pass rush win rate. Slone has an elite first step, he fires off the ball, and he has an explosive second step along with closing speed around the corner. He’s an extremely violent player, has a relentless consistent, always hot motor, and Slone plays with a ton of violence in his hands as well. He has good hips, is able to close the lane, and he shows a good ability to take on blocks as well. Slone has adequate lower body strength, but his upper body power is a little lacking. He’ll need to add more lower body power, and refine more pass rush moves where he really wins with a stab, punch, and swipe combo though there’s a few notable moves he tries to flash as well. Slone needs to slow the game down for himself at times, he’s raw, and he’ll need to refine vs the run, but he shows a good ability to take the EDGE, collapse a lane, and take on blocks as well. Slone has a chance to push for the roster, got a high guaranteed salary as an undrafted prospect, and he provides something different from Snowden, Jackson, and Harvey.

Competition: Charles Snowden, Brennan Jackson, Jahfari Harvey

ILB Xavian Sorey, Arkansas
HT: 6’2 | WT: 231 | Games: 52
Stats: 204 tackles, 20 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 3 INT, 5 PBU, FF, 17% missed tackle rate, 45 pressures, 81 run stops | 70% reception rate (42/60), 500 yards, 4 TD, 96.5 QBR allowed
Testing: 4.63 40 (1.65 10-Split), 36.5 Vert, 10’ Broad, 4.42 Shuttle, 7 3-Cone, 18 reps | 7.39 RAS

• Sorey has elite athleticism on the field, his off field testing is not the same caliber as his game film, but he is a pure game athlete. Sorey tested below expectation for his 40 time, but has multiple 21+ miles per hour registered speed times. Sorey takes good tackling angles, is able to get into space well, and he finds the ball carrier well. He’ll need to improve the tackling form, and a large part of his missed tackle rate is because he was simply in a place that other linebackers couldn’t be in. Sorey is able to play between weakside & MIKE, but he’s best when working in space, and able to matchup on tight ends, runningbacks, or simply use his athleticism to his advantage. Sorey does really well breaking down passing lanes, understanding run concepts, and reacting to the ball consistently where he’s shown high level football instincts. He’s played special teams, and that should be his main line to get on the roster for the Raiders where he’ll have to beat out the likes of Lindenberg and Segun Olubi. Sorey is exceptionally raw, he has a high ceiling, but he’ll need to get better at not biting on play action, limiting how often he overpursues a gap, and also learning how to close lanes better in coverage. He’s an inconsistent tackler, he’ll need to use his full body and add more muscle as well. Additionally, Sorey shows a tendency to not stick on the hip of a receiver, and try to undercut the route more often than not. He has a shot to make the roster with below average linebacker depth, and Sorey does show a ton of upside to entice LV to keep him on the roster.

Competition: Segun Olubi, Cody Lindenberg, Jamin Davis, Chris Thomas

ILB Chris Thomas, Maine
HT: 6’3 | WT: 235 | Games: 42
Stats: 213 tackles, 19 TFL, 7 sacks, 4 PBU, FF, 2 blocked kicks, 9% missed tackle rate, 35 pressures, 73 run stops | 75% reception rate (36/48), 318 yards, 0 TD, 64.8 QBR allowed
Testing: N/A

• Thomas was an unknown, late riser in the class, and he’s shown a good bit of development year by year. He has exceptional size, length, and mass to play linebacker in the NFL. Additionally, he’s already proven it on special teams with 21 tackles, a FR, and a forced fumble. Thomas reads and reacts well, especially coming downhill, he has an exceptional first step, good downhill trigger, and his initial instincts to react on the run game are impressive. Thomas has an ability to break downhill, and he’s a sound tackler consistently wrapping up defenders with good form, using his entire body, and Thomas doesn’t over pursue his assignments. The Maine product shows really quick feet, fluid knees, and he’s patient in space with a good tendency to breakdown blocks, use his hands, and overpower blockers. Thomas also has good initial burst, but there’s some flaws with his long speed, and how well he will adapt to having a poor second step in coverage. Thomas also doesn’t show a good tendency to carry routes in zone coverage, where he’s a liability in the seam concepts. Thomas is a good coverage player, he has good instincts, but his hips are a little stiff which can limit him in the NFL as he’ll be slow out of break, slow to react, and he doesn’t carry across the field consistently. Thomas is intriguing, his hips will be the biggest weakness for him, but he plays with high level instincts, is exceptional vs the run, and his special teams prowess already gives him an edge on others for the position. The Raiders have a lack of linebacker depth, and Thomas reminds me a ton of former Raiders and now Seahawks standout Drake Thomas.

Competition: Cody Lindenberg, Xavian Sorey, Xavian Sorey

CB Caleb Offord, Kennesaw State
HT: 6’1 | WT: 195 | Games: 44
Stats: 119 tackles, 14 TFL, 3 INT, 31 PBU, 2 FF, 14% missed tackle rate | 58% reception rate (102/176), 1381 yards, 7 TD, 91.6 QBR
Testing: 4.49 40 (1.52 10-Split), 37.5 Vert, 10’08 Broad, 4.33 Shuttle, 6.98 3-Cone | 9.01 RAS

• Offord has bounced around between Notre Dame, Buffalo, Alabama State, and then Kennesaw State. His best two seasons were his last two, where at Alabama State he logged 29 tackles, 4 PBU, an INT, and allowed a 103.0 QBR. In 2025, Offord allowed just 338 yards on 29 receptions, a 77.4 QBR and added 2 interceptions with 12 PBU. Offord has good hip flexibility, length, and he shows quick feet. He has a good initial burst, strong second step, and his long speed is impressive as well. Offord has an ability to track the ball over his shoulder, he plays the WR & ball consistently well. Offord does have a tendency to get grabby at times, and he can cause penalties, but he saw a good breakdown in his penalty issues in 2025 with just 1. He’s a sound tackler, does well to get to the ball carrier, but he’ll need to add on more mass. Overall, Offord’s best traits come with his length, size, and above average athleticism. I’d like to see more consistency in coverage, where he’ll need to use leverage more often, and also just work the receiver. He’s a little stiff in his hips, bounced around between numerous levels, and overall has a ton of upside. He’s an intriguing UDFA to watch through the pre-season, but likely is a practice squad player for at least a season.

Competition: Chigozie Anusiem, Greedy Vance

SAF Devin Lafayette, Troy
HT: 6’1 | WT: 198 | Games: 53
Stats: 288 tackles, 15 TFL, 3 sacks, 4 INT, 11 PBU, 7 FF, 12% missed tackle rate | 76% reception rate (95/124), 870 yards, 2 TD, 87.1 QBR allowed
Testing: 4.58 40 (1.55 10-Split), 32.5 Vert, 10’03 Broad, 4.52 Shuttle, 7.4 3-Cone, 14 reps | 4.40 RAS
Positional Splits:

• FS: 394 snaps

• SS: 338 snaps

• Nickel Defender: 889 snaps

• Slot Corner: 963 snaps

• Lafayette continues the Raiders trend of versatile defenders, with a good mix between free, strong, nickel, and slot. He’s a below average athlete, has some stiff hips, and his footwork needs to be consistent as well. Lafayette shows good instincts, he breaks on the ball well, and he works best when in zone coverage. Lafayette is physical, he’ll tackle well, gives a good bit of effort, and overall he does well lining up in multiple splits to match up on the receiver. He uses his physical profile well, jabs the receiver, and does a good job finding the ball in the air. Lafayette has a decent special teams track record, which will be the biggest push for the roster. Las Vegas needed special teams depth, and while Lafayette has a ton of experience, he’s extremely limited in his movement skills, natural tendencies, and I’d like to see him become overall more consistent.

Competition: Tristin McCollum, Tanner Wall, Terrell Edmunds

SAF Tanner Wall, BYU
HT: 6’0 | WT: 198 | Games: 45 (32 at SAF)
Stats: 147 tackles, TFL, 7 INT (2 TD), 4 PBU, FF, 15% missed tackle rate | 60% reception rate (9/15), 175 yards, 28.8 QBR allowed
Testing: 4.57 40 (1.6 10-Split), 37.5 Vert, 10’11 Broad, 4.18 Shuttle, 6.8 3-Cone, 15 reps | 8.98 RAS
Positional Splits:

• FS: 1376 snaps (675 at CF Safety)

• SS: 113 snaps

• Nickel Defender: 27 snaps

• Slot Corner: 31 snaps

• Wall has more career forced incompletions (12) than he does receptions allowed, he’s also logged 8 ST tackles as well. He converted from WR to safety in 2025. He’s a former walk-on, and similar to fellow BYU standout Chase Roberts who signed with Las Vegas, he’s already 26 years old after taking a mission trip after high school. Wall has natural tendencies in coverage, his hips are fluid, and he reacts to the ball exceptionally well. He has a natural ability to find the ball in the air, closes well, and his first step helps him to collapse the passing lanes. His natural length works well to close passing lanes, Wall despite his limited time at safety, does have good tackling form, and his angles need to be cleaned up. The BYU safety does best when he’s able to work at FS, collapse downwards, and also come in and play the run. He’s a tough player to eval, and the upside is immense, but there’s a lot of questions with how he’ll be able to adjust to the NFL. Wall may make the roster out of camp, solely off his special teams where his athleticism, tackling, and overall experience have molded his career with 23 tackles, 2 FF, a TD, and a FR. As a safety, he does provide depth at free safety, and he’s a traditional centerfielder with sideline to sideline ability. Wall may be someone to keep ane eye on, but he may also fume out.

Competition: Tristin McCollum, Tanner Wall, Terrell Edmunds

LS Tyler Duzansky, Penn State
HT: 6’3 | WT: 235 | Games: 49
Stats: 9 tackles
Testing: 4.94 40 (1.76 10-Split), 24 reps | 9.23 RAS

• Duzansky was concerned the beest, or second best, snapper in the class. He has a great athletic frame, good size, and can add on more muscle as well. Duzansky recorded the 3rd fastest average snap time in college football last year, and he’s shown a good ability to get the ball at a consistent level of the punters chest or right at the mark for kicks, and he tackles exceptionally well. He will compete with Alex Ward for the Raiders long snapper role, Ward has experience and connection with DeCamillis, but Duzansky shows the traits to be an NFL long snapper.

Competition: Alex Ward

K Kansei Matsuzawa (“The Tokyo Toe”), Hawaii
HT: 6’1 | WT: 200 | Games: 25
Stats: 39/45 FG (86.7%), 72/72 PAT (100%), 12/13 40-49 yards, 1/2 50+ yards (53)
Testing:

• Matsuzawa, 27 years old, taught himself how to kick from YouTube, and he’s not had too look back sense. He’s a 2x All-Conference, and one time first team All-American. He connected on 27/29 FG in 2025 including 25 straight to start the season. He has an elite leg, but wasn’t asked much from 50+, that said he’s shown the ability to hit from far including 4/4 on 50+ during his Pro Day with a 61 yarder. He’s consistently been asked to kick from the right side, with only 11 coming on the left hash. He’s shown a lot of traits, has refined mechanics, and he can generate a ton of power on his kicks. Matsuzawa, shows a good bit of upside, he’ll need to compete with possibly another UDFA kicker, and Matt Gay, but the 27 year old has the leg, accuracy, and mentality to win the position come week 1.

Competition: Matt Gay