NC State Defensive Tackle Brandon Cleveland Drafted in the 7th Round by the Las Vegas Raiders

NC State defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 7th round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 229 overall pick.

A beast raised by wolves 🐺

📺 ESPN | #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/BuRWZlq3fY

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) April 25, 2026

Causing chaos in the trenches 🐺🔥@brandonvibes25 @Raiders #PackPros | #1Pack1Goal pic.twitter.com/TSMwYT9B9r

— NC State Football (@PackFootball) April 25, 2026

Cleveland capped his senior season with 36 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks, anchoring the interior with steady production.

At 6’4” and 315 pounds, Cleveland brings the prototypical size of an NFL defensive tackle. Over the course of his time in Raleigh, he added 25 pounds and developed into a physical, reliable presence in the trenches. His 72.1 PFF grade this past season reflects that consistency and growth.

Cleveland joins Justin Joly as the only NC State players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Fittingly, the duo were also the only Wolfpack players invited to the 2026 NFL Combine, now both hearing their names called on draft weekend.