Brandon Cleveland
Las Vegas RaidersOur College Grade
How good he was in college at what his position is supposed to do, out of 100. Scored against everyone else at his position, adjusted for the level he played at. This is not his NFL grade.
College Production
NC State · ACC
| Season | Tkl | TFL | Sacks | Hur | PD | Pos Rk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 28 | 4 | 3.0 | 1 | 0 | 158 |
| 2024 | 36 | 4 | 0.5 | 5 | 1 | 145 |
| 2025 | 36 | 7 | 2.0 | 3 | 0 | 59 |
The seasons in our college data. It does not always reach back to a player's first year.
Scouting Report
NC State · 2026 draft class
Brandon Cleveland is an interior defensive lineman from NC State who earned a Senior Bowl invitation and NFL Combine invite for the 2026 draft cycle. Cleveland projects as a developmental nose tackle prospect with the size and power to occupy blockers at the point of attack in the NFL. He appeared on multiple big board rankings including the sportstalk.substack top 300 and was listed among Kiper defensive tackle just missed group behind the top 10. Cleveland was also featured on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department post-Senior Bowl big board. His inclusion in the Senior Bowl practices in Mobile allowed him to compete against top-level offensive line talent. Cleveland profiles as a late Day 3 or priority free agent selection who could develop into a rotational interior presence. His NC State pedigree in the ACC gives him experience against quality competition.
Strengths
- Physical presence at the point of attack as an interior defender
- Senior Bowl and NFL Combine invitee showing NFL-level recognition
- ACC experience against quality offensive line competition
- Size to occupy blockers and clog rushing lanes
- Developmental upside as a rotational interior lineman
- Multiple all-star game and pre-draft event invitations
Concerns
- Lacks top-tier explosive first step off the snap
- Not ranked among top 10 defensive tackles by major outlets
- Limited pass-rush production and pressure generation
- Needs to improve hand technique and counter moves
- Consistency as a penetrating interior rusher is a concern
- May project strictly as a two-down run-stuffer early in career
Honors
Senior Bowl Invitee (2026); NFL Combine Invitee (2026)