Raiders Draft Prospect: DE Javon Solomon of Troy
The Las Vegas Raiders are evaluating young talent in the 2024 NFL Draft, determining which prospects best fit with the Silver and Black.
The Raiders are looking for players who will help them in the short term, but they also want to win in the long term, so they have to strike a balance between the two when trying to find the right prospects.
It is an exciting time in Las Vegas as Coach Antonio Pierce and General Manager Tom Telesco begin their regime. They hope to bring championships back to Raider Nation.
One player who could help them do that is Troy defensive end Javon Solomon. The FBS leader in sacks in 2023, Solomon could be an underrated find on the third day of the draft.
Solomon finished his Trojans’ career with 183 total tackles, 49.5 tackles for losses, four forced fumbles and 33 sacks. A two-time First-Team All-Sun Belt selection, Solomon has 52 career games under his belt.
The Las Vegas Raiders could add Troy defensive end Javon Solomon in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Solomon stands at 6-foot-2 and weighs 250 pounds. He has the ideal size to be an edge rusher in the NFL. That size shows up on tape, too, as Solomon has a massive upper body with plenty of muscle.
He routinely overpowered Sun Belt offensive linemen to the tune of 16 sacks in 2023. Not only is he strong, but he moves well. Solomon has the flexibility to bend around the edge and dip underneath linemen to get to the quarterback.
Solomon does not profile as a player who can rush on the interior, but he showed the ability to do so in college. He was too strong for interior linemen, overpowering them with explosion off the snap, long arms, and excellent pad level.
According to Pro Football Focus, Solomon generated 48 total pressures in 2023. He was PFF’s fifth-highest-rated edge rusher in the nation in 2023.
Solomon can rush the passer well and defend the run off the edge. He knows how to set the edge, which is essential for NFL defensive ends.
While he was good against Sun Belt offensive linemen, Solomon must prove he can do it consistently against NFL linemen. He does not often use pass-rushing moves, either, often relying on his strength.
Solomon is expected to be an early day three selection. If the Raiders are looking for an experienced edge rusher with strength and explosiveness, Solomon could add depth to that area.
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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