Raiders Draft Prospect: LB Gant of Toledo
The Las Vegas Raiders are evaluating their roster during free agency and looking forward to the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Raiders’ roster has already changed significantly with the additions of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and quarterback Gardner Minshew, as Coach Antonio Pierce and General Manager Tom Telesco look to shape the roster in their vision.
But there still is work to be done. The Raiders still have to add more pieces to the team if they want to be a postseason team. They were close in 2023, but a few more additions could put them over the top.
One area they could address in the draft is linebacker, and Dallas Gant of Toledo could be a good fit. A transfer from Ohio State, Gant spent six years in college between the Buckeyes and Rockets.
Gant finished his college career with 286 total tackles, 17 tackles for losses, five forced fumbles, eight passes defended, an interception and two and a half sacks. He was a First-Team All-MAC member in 2022, and participated in the Hula Bowl and the Shrine Bowl this offseason.
The Las Vegas Raiders could consider Toledo linebacker Dallas Gant in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Gant transferred from Ohio State and played much better at Toledo. He totaled only 54 tackles in four seasons with the Buckeyes, but with the Rockets, he posted 116 tackles in both seasons. Playing at a different competition level suited Gant, and he thrived.
Gant stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 230 pounds. On tape, he looks tall and slender. He moves well for a modern-day linebacker, as he can defend the run and the pass. Gant can be used all over the field, and his versatility should entice teams.
In the running game, Gant is a heat-seeking missile. He flies to the football to make plays on ball carriers and can be effective in that regard at the next level. He has the frame to be a good coverage linebacker, too, with good instincts and speed. Despite his frame, he plays a physical brand of football and can be a good hitter.
However, his frame might be a problem at the next level. He is thin and struggles to get off blocks against bigger offensive linemen. He also reacts slowly to misdirection and can not recover in time.
Gant is projected to be selected on day three or be an undrafted free agent. If the Raiders are looking for linebacker depth, Gant could be an option.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.
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