Raiders' new defensive lineman Tonka Hemingway doesn't hold back while talking about his game

Las Vegas Raiders' new defensive lineman Tonka Hemingway doesn't hold back while talking about his game

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.

Longtime staffer shares ‘best compliment’ for Kalen DeBoer, how Alabama has changed since 2024

Explosive Drama Alert: The Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers You Can’t Miss from March 24-28!

Lions Part Ways With Veteran QB Ahead of NFL Draft

Celtics’ Sweating Over Availability of 3 Key Starters

Thu Thao - 04/29/2025

The Latest

BREAKING: Packers Sign Former No. 8 Overall Pick & LB to Roster After NFL Draft

Sport -7 giờ

The Green Bay Packers are signing a former top-10 overall draft pick in their first series of roster moves following the 2025 NFL draft last week. According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the Packers are signing former Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants linebacker/safety hybrid Isaiah Simmons to their ...

Packers Sign Former No. 8 Overall Pick & LB to Roster After NFL Draft

Sport -7 giờ

Kevin O’Connell sends loud reminder about forgotten Vikings pass rusher

Sport -7 giờ

For all the (rightful) attention on J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell also expects big things from another young player. The 2025 offseason for the Minnesota Vikings has had about a 99.9 percent focus on quarterback J.J. McCarthy, with ...

New Bears signing is already on thin ice after 2025 NFL Draft

Sport -7 giờ

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson did not mince words when talking about the team's roster after the 2025 NFL Draft. "I think all we did this weekend is we might've just turned up the notch a couple of dials for certain people ...