The Las Vegas Raiders needed to address some of their depth issues in the 2025 NFL Draft. One of those was the depth of the defensive line, whether it's the tackle position or the edge position -- both needed depth.
So, they got a guy who you can really see playing both positions, whether it's in the future or even this year. Tonka Hemingway, the Raiders' fourth-round defensive lineman they took in the 2025 NFL Draft, has a plethora of tools and physical attributes that help him become a versatile defender on the defensive line. But the question is where he plays.
I'm sure he will play wherever the Raiders allow him to, based on playing time. He has the ability to be a contributor and maybe even an impact player in year one, even if he isn't a starter. The production numbers-wise aren't where you hoped they would be based on what you see on tape, but the game is certainly there.
However, if you ask him, he still has so much to work on. Hemingway certainly comes off as a humble player.
"I feel like I can get better at everything, of course," Hemingway told reporters via Zoom after he was picked. "But just something I just want to hone in on is definitely the run game. I feel like I can keep getting better and better in the run game if I just put my mind to it."
Hemingway's run defense could certainly use some work. In 2024, Hemingway finished with a Pro Football Focus run grade of 65.2, with a run-stop rate of 3.5%, which isn't great. He is certainly much better as a pass rusher, where he finished with a 74.9 true pass set pass rush grade. In his last three years, Hemingway has just 11 sacks, so the production could be better.
But, like I said, the tools are there, and his technique isn't bad all around. He needs some developing, but because of his versatility, where he played mostly DT in college, his size and explosiveness, and lack of anchor strength make him a better edge prospect in the league. You have to love his accountability and humility, too.
