Bilal Nichols is Leading a Modified DT Room

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols had a solid first season with the club. Now, he's already being asked to step into a leadership role.

One thing that could be difficult with this new responsibility is that a much different defensive tackle group surrounds Nichols than he had grown accustomed to being around last season.

The Raiders added young defensive tackles Nesta Jade Silvera and Byron Young from this year's draft. They also brought in Adam Butler and John Jenkins, who added veteran experience to the room.

Nichols, however, is viewing the situation with excitement.

“Yeah, a different group than last year," Nichols said when he addressed the media following the Raiders' minicamp practice last Thursday. "Definitely an exciting time getting to work with the guys and getting back with each other, and building camaraderie. But everybody has been working hard, and as a dude you appreciate that everybody giving it their all day in and day out, whether it's a rookie, vet, or whatever the case may be, everybody going hard. So, you just appreciate that.”

While Nichols has only one year with the Silver and Black under his belt, he's been a full-time starter for the last three seasons.

The veteran discussed his approach to getting better as this next season approaches.

"Just coming in and just continuing to do what I do," Nichols said. "Come in here with a mindset to get better and better each day. If you could just get one percent better each day over time, it's going to build up, and you're going to be closer to where you want to be."

Nichols registered 44 combined tackles, four for losses, 11 quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks last season.

He's totaled 190 combined tackles, 22 for losses, and 12.5 sacks in his first five NFL seasons.

A savvy veteran like Nichols pays dividends not only on the field but with four young DTs like Matthew Butler, Neil Farrell, Byron Young, and Nesta Jade Silvera; his leadership is priceless.

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