Brandon Cleveland DT Profile: NC State Plugger Joins Las Vegas Raiders via TB
- The Las Vegas Raiders have selected North Carolina State defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland with the 229th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, marking...
- Cleveland, a native of Tampa, Florida, spent four seasons with the Wolfpack, appearing in 45 games and establishing himself as a reliable presence on the defensive line.
- Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 315 pounds, Cleveland brings the prototypical size for an NFL defensive tackle.
The Las Vegas Raiders have selected North Carolina State defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland with the 229th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, marking the conclusion of his collegiate career and the beginning of his professional journey in the National Football League.
Cleveland, a native of Tampa, Florida, spent four seasons with the Wolfpack, appearing in 45 games and establishing himself as a reliable presence on the defensive line. During his senior season, he recorded 36 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two sacks, earning a 72.1 Pro Football Focus grade that reflected his consistency and development over his collegiate career.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 315 pounds, Cleveland brings the prototypical size for an NFL defensive tackle. Throughout his time at NC State, he added 25 pounds to his frame and developed into a physical, dependable interior defender known for his strength and leverage in the trenches.
The Raiders’ selection of Cleveland makes him one of only two NC State players chosen in the 2026 NFL Draft, alongside tight end Justin Joly, who was selected in the fifth round by the Denver Broncos. Both players were also the only Wolfpack athletes invited to the 2026 NFL Combine before hearing their names called during draft weekend.
Cleveland originally committed to Miami as a four-star recruit from Carrollwood Day School before flipping his commitment to NC State in June 2021. He enrolled early and contributed as a true freshman in 2022, laying the foundation for a steady progression through his collegiate career.
His selection continues a family connection to the NFL, as his cousin Tyrie Cleveland was a seventh-round pick by the Denver Broncos in the 2020 NFL Draft after playing receiver at the University of Florida.
With the pick, the Raiders add a developmental prospect to their defensive line depth, acquiring a player known for his strength, leverage, and potential to grow into a rotational role at the professional level.