Raiders Insider Podcast: New DT John Jenkins Analysis

HENDERSON, Nev.--Heading into the 2023 National Football League offseason, we told you that General Manager Dave Ziegler had targeted to improve the interior rushing defense at the defensive tackle position.

Ziegler did just that by adding two rookies in Jade Nesta Silver from Arizona State and Byron Young from Alabama.

Additionally, Ziegler signed free agent defensive tackle John Jenkins from the Miami Dolphins.

Jenkins is a monster at 6-3 and 370 pounds. While not a four-down player, you can expect Jenkins to be a massive space eater, demanding double and triple teams from opposing offensive linemen in obvious running downs.

Miami Dolphins beat writer Alain Poupart joined us from AllDoplphins.com, and you can watch the entire podcast below:

The National Football League is a highly competitive environment where every aspect of the game is critical to achieving success. A key element in a successful defensive strategy is the interior push from the defensive tackle position.

Teams that can disrupt the offensive line and create pressure in the middle of the field will be more effective at stopping the running game. The defensive tackle's primary job is to absorb blocks and prevent the offensive line from opening up gaps for running backs to exploit.

By focusing pressure on the interior, the defense can close gaps and force running backs to the outside, where they are more vulnerable. A strong interior push also can disrupt the timing of the opposing team's running game, allowing linebackers and safeties to make tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

Additionally, the pressure generated from the defensive tackle can lead to turnovers, as quarterbacks are forced to throw the ball early or under duress.

Overall, the importance of a defensive tackle interior push cannot be overstated in the National Football League. Teams that can generate consistent pressure from the middle of their defense will have a significant advantage in their rushing defense, leading to more victories on the field.

The Raiders' offseason workout schedule is as follows:

OTA Offseason workouts: May 22-23, May 25, May 31-June 2, June 12-15

Mandatory Minicamp: June 6-8

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