It's that time of year again in the NFL, where the dust settles after the draft and a whole new wave of hopefuls, the undrafted free agents, flood into team facilities. This year, the Las Vegas Raiders have brought in a whopping 21 of these players, a significant number that immediately tells me they're looking for diamonds in the rough. While ten drafted players are already on board, the sheer volume of UDFAs suggests a real opportunity for some to carve out a spot on the 53-man roster. Personally, I find this phase of team building incredibly compelling because it’s where raw talent and sheer determination often shine brightest.
One player who has particularly caught my eye, and indeed the attention of draft analysts at Wide Left, is defensive tackle Gary Smith III. He's been highlighted as one of the most 'underrated' undrafted free agents with a genuine shot at making the Raiders' regular season squad. What makes this designation so interesting is that Smith isn't necessarily a flashy, athletic specimen. Instead, his value appears to lie in a more fundamental, yet crucial, NFL skill: being a reliable run stopper. In my opinion, this is a trait that will always have a place and will continue to command a salary in this league, especially for big bodies in the middle of the defensive line.
What's particularly fascinating about Smith's situation is the narrative of his development. After a season-ending injury in 2024, he apparently lost 20 pounds, which, according to reports, led to a noticeable increase in explosiveness and quickness in his 2025 film. This is a detail that immediately stands out to me – it speaks volumes about his work ethic and his commitment to improving his craft. While his primary strengths remain his pure strength and aggressive hands, this newfound agility could make him a much more disruptive force than initially perceived. He’s the kind of player who, if he can harness that improved athleticism, could become a real asset as a space-eating nose tackle.
Looking at the Raiders' defensive line depth, there seems to be a clear pathway for someone like Smith. While established players like JJ Pegues and Adam Butler will likely get significant snaps, the talent pool isn't exactly overflowing. This raises a deeper question: how much does raw potential matter compared to proven production, especially for a team that wasn't dominant against the run last season? From my perspective, the competition with fellow rookie Brandon Cleveland and veteran Brodric Martin for a roster spot is where Smith's true mettle will be tested. It’s not just about talent; it’s about who wants it more and who can translate that desire into consistent performance.
My own assessment placed Smith as the sixth most likely UDFA to make the Raiders roster, but importantly, he was the highest-ranked non-special teams player not featured in the top 300 consensus draft board. This aligns perfectly with Wide Left's assessment, and they've nailed the reasons why. What this really suggests is that Smith's future with the team might very well be in his own hands. It boils down to his drive, his willingness to put in the work, and his ability to prove he belongs. It's this kind of raw, unpolished talent that makes following the NFL so compelling – you never know where the next great player might emerge from. What do you think is the most overlooked skill for a defensive lineman in today's pass-happy NFL?
