Laulu has the opportunity to solidify himself as a starter on the defensive line
The Las Vegas Raiders surprised the world by releasing Christian Wilkins on Thursday. His rehab for his Jones fracture in his foot did not meet the team’s expectations, and he parted ways after one year.
The loss of Wilkins leaves a hole in a highly regarded defensive line before his release. Now a player has to step up in his role and become the three technique next Maxx Crosby and help keep him from double and triple teams. A young player emerging is Jonah Laulu, a second-year defender from Oklahoma.
Laulu was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft. He was released and picked up off waivers by the Raiders in August of last season and started to earn snaps Week 9 and beyond. According to PFF, Laulu finished the season with 10 pressures and a sack, along with 20 defensive stops. His best game was against the Atlanta Falcons last season, where he recorded two pressures and a sack.
Tre’von Moehrig with a good blitz and Jonah Laulu stalemates Creed Humphrey at the LOS, allowing Robert Spillane to make the tackle for a short gain #Raiders pic.twitter.com/ujary3nids
— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) December 3, 2024
Early reporting out of training camp has Laulu lined up as the three technique with the starters after Wilkins depature.
Jonah Laulu continues to get first crack at three-technique with the No. 1 defense #Raiders
— Jesse Merrick – Silver & Black Sports Network (@JesseSBSN) July 25, 2025
Additionally, he is receiving praise from his teammates, who are noticing his growth as a football player. During his press conference on Wednesday, Maxx Crosby spoke about his potential to become a breakout player for the Silver and Black.
“I can’t lie. Jonah is a special talent, dude can play. He doesn’t even know it yet, but he’s going to be a hell of a player”
It is vital for players like Laulu and Adam Butler to step up and fill the hole left by losing a pro-bowler in Wilkins. If the former Oklahoma Sooner can leap to full-time starter for the defense, it will help fans forget about the release that shocked the world.