Leading into the 2025 NFL Draft, it was no secret that John Spytek was looking to add depth in the trenches.

It was a successful strategy for him with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as he helped select players such as Vita Vea, Tristan Wirfs, and Calijah Kancey in his tenure. And in his first draft as the general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders, he took the same approach toward investing draft capital at the line of scrimmage – drafting two offensive linemen on Day 2 and two defensive linemen on Day 3.

Spytek traded back with the Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans to acquire back-to-back picks in the third round. This resulted in them selecting offensive linemen Caleb Rogers at No. 98 and Charles Grant at No. 99.

Rogers was a Second-Team All-Big 12 selection at Texas Tech, starting 55 consecutive games for the Red Raiders. In 2024, he split snaps between left guard, right guard and right tackle. Grant, the highest-drafted player from William & Mary since 2009, was a two-time First-Team FCS All-American.

"We really see Caleb trying to work in on the inside spots. And so, the chance to get Charles to be a tackle, we'll find out if he can play on both sides," Spytek said after Day 2 of the draft was over. "He played a lot of left tackle and looked really good doing that. We're just trying to get as much flexibility as we can and kind of spread the wealth and let the guys compete in the spot where they really can get a good look and all that. When these guys come in, they're going to get a great look.

"We do not hold them back and keep them out of the fire. We're going to put them in there right away and let them see where they stack up and make sure that the competition is really the theme that they're living with."

On Day 3, the Raiders alloted two picks toward the other side of the trenches, selecting SEC defensive linemen Tonka Hemingway and JJ Pegues.

Hemingway, the No. 153 overall pick, accounted for 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in his five seasons at South Carolina. He also received the highest athleticism score of any player at his position at the NFL Combine, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

"I feel like my skills are probably being an athlete, quick twitch, being able to use my IQ and getting an understanding of the game," Hemingway said in his introductory video call. "And I probably could fit in any defense really if I'm put in the right position to help the team."

As for Pegues, his versatility at multiple positions throughout his college career added to his appeal. He was originally recruited to Auburn University before transferring to Ole Miss ahead of his junior season. Along with racking up 10 sacks and 27 tackles for loss, he also lined up at fullback and wildcat quarterback for the Rebels. He totaled 86 rushing yards on 26 carries for seven touchdowns, plus notched one receiving touchdown.

"I always played offense my whole life," Pegues said, "and I feel like that's a big reason why I am successful at playing D-line is because the way I can move, bend and things like that."

Sitting next to Spytek, Raiders director of college scouting Brandon Yeargan addressed the importance of adding depth to the interior defensive line. He stated "the ability to disrupt the run game and pass game is critical" with Hemingway and Pegues having the traits to accomplish that.

"This year, you watch the tape, it's unique," Yeargan said of Pegues. "He's playing on the end, he's playing inside, he's over the nose, and then he's obviously playing the short yardage fullback, wildcat quarterback, tight end. Unique athletic traits. We'll see what he does for us. Excited about having him here."

"Tonka is another unique guy," he added. "He's played a lot of different spots for them. He can play three technique, five technique, big end. He's got interior rush ability. He plays the run well. Definitely another guy that tested really well, ran sub 5.0. Unique player that has some position flexibility and another high intangible guy."

In due time, these four draft picks will compete for roster spots in efforts to complement the offensive and defensive line. It's not hard to imagine a few of them making a lasting impression, considering Jackson Powers-Johnson, DJ Glaze and Jonah Laulu all earned meaningful snaps as rookies in 2024.