Why I’m Buying Early Hype Around Raiders' Tonka Hemingway

The Las Vegas Raiders kick off their preseason Thursday night when they host the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. The Cardinals are coming off a walk-off defeat to the Carolina Panthers in the NFL Hall of Fame Game, 33-30, and the Raiders hope to continue Arizona's preseason misfortunes this week.

Training camp and the coming weeks of the preseason will open opportunities for players to find their place on the roster or force head coach Klint Kubiak, his staff, and general manager John Spytek to make difficult roster cutdown decisions.

Kubiak Raider — Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

One player who has stood out so far in camp is Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway, a former fourth-round draft selection from last spring who emerged as a quality depth player late in the season. Hemingway flashed at times in 2025, but was too inconsistent, with some discouraging moments.

Why I’m Buying the Hemingway Hype (So Far)

However, all the former South Carolina standout has done this summer is prove he could be a key defender within the defensive front rotation. If there is one player I am buying the early hype on ahead of Thursday night, Hemingway is that player.

I spent some time watching Hemingway's game film for this piece, and one of the things that stood out most to me was his effort down to down. Everything he did last year, right or wrong, was at 100 percent effort, with his motor far from in question for anybody. I enjoyed his versatility in alignment, whether he was a 5-tech, 3-tech, or playing from the 1- or 2i-tech.

Hemingway has been showing up in camp, which is a terrific sign for the Raiders' defensive line as a whole. Thomas Booker IV, Jonah Laulu, and Adam Butler are fortified in their place in the interior odd front; Hemingway is making his presence known throughout camp and generating chaos in the process.

Hemingway Could Be a Key Contributor in 2026

I don't expect Hemingway to be a starter right away. Still, his pass-rush arsenal is impressive to watch, and he knows how to make his presence known in the backfield at all times. That's valuable for a defense, and Hemingway has done enough to show Leonard and Kubiak that this is his time to be an impact defender.

There are many young and hungry defensive players ready to contribute. Hemingway is one of those young players. This gives the front seven depth and reliability this season, based on what we have seen at training camp. If this goes on, Las Vegas could have a very productive defensive front this fall.

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