How Gary Smith III can make Las Vegas Raiders 53-man roster as undrafted free agent

PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 11: UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Gary Smith III (58) in a defensive stance during a college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils on November 11, 2023 at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Many expected nose tackle to be a big priority for the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL draft, but they didn’t add a defensive tackle until the seventh round. However, the Raiders did get some insurance at the position, signing Gary Smith III from UCLA as an undrafted free agent .

The 6-foot-1, 319-pound defensive lineman has the size to fill the void at nose tackle, and he’s a stout run defender to have a chance at making Las Vegas’ 53-man roster at the end of training camp. Last season, the former Bruin ranked tied for 22nd among FBS defensive tackles and fourth in the Big Ten with an 82. 3 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus .

He also posted 24 ‘ defensive stops ’ against the run, which was tied for 13th and third in the same categories. With that in mind, let’s flip on the tape and see what makes Smith a candidate to earn a roster spot. Nice job taking on the combo block by Gary Smith III, attacks the C, turns his body and absorbs contact from the G, escapes and gets involved in the tackle #Raiders pic.

twitter. com/bdampulONj — Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 18, 2026 A big reason why Smith has a chance to make the roster is that he’s effective against combo blocks and double teams. Part of it’s due to his size, but he also uses good technique to stay in his gap and be a boulder in the running game.