The Las Vegas Raiders didn't possess a pick in the NFL Draft's first two rounds but still ended up with a solid class of rookies. Led by third rounder Dylan Parham and running back Zamir White, the Raiders got off to a good start by adding depth to two key areas on the offensive side of the ball.
Parham, in particular, will get the chance to make an immediate impact in the 2022 NFL season, as he'll be competing for a starting spot on one of the NFL's worst offensive lines. It's not hard to see a big role coming Parham's way.
Which Raiders rookie is a sleeper in 2022, though? Which prospect will sneak up on pundits in the 2022 NFL season? This late-round pick will emerge as an instant playmaker for the Raiders.
Raiders Rookie Sleeper For 2022 NFL Season
Fifth round pick Matthew Butler is the Raiders' rookie sleeper in 2022. A 6-4, 299-pound defensive tackle, Butler emerged as a dominant producer for Tennessee in 2021 against tough SEC competition, tallying five sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss.
Butler was a lot for opposing offensive linemen to handle, as his quickness off the line of scrimmage and explosiveness made him a disruptive pass rusher. Those traits could allow him to see his fair share of snaps rather quickly in the 2022 NFL season.
The Raiders rookie will be competing for playing time in a depth-filled Raiders defensive line. Las Vegas is set at three of their spots on the line, with Maxx Crosby and free agent signee Chandler Jones manning the end spots. The dependable Johnathan Hankins is entrenched on the inside, though the second starting tackle job isn't as much of a sure thing.
Article Continues Below25-year-old Bilal Nichols, who was signed as a free agent, had a decent season, notably providing a rush from the inside, as he tallied four sacks. However, it's clear that the interior pass rush is an area that needs to get better if the Raiders defense wants to take the next step.
Butler, who recorded the fourth-most run stops among SEC defensive tackles, is capable of playing on both run and passing downs. His ability to work through double teams has the potential to make everyone else on the Raiders line better.
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While Butler is unlikely to start from day one, he figures to form a strong duo on the inside with Nichols, who isn't likely to see more than the career-best 64 percent of defensive snaps he played last season for the Chicago Bears.
If the Raiders opt for a rotation along the defensive line- which would be the smart option- then Butler will get a chance to make a huge impact in the 2022 NFL season.
Don't overlook the fifth-round pick, who many pundits had going in the third or fourth round, as a contributor for the Raiders defense.