Summary

AdamButler went undrafted in the 2017 Class out of Vanderbilt University. As a Commodore, he totaled 63 solo tackles, 47 assists, and 9.5 sacks. In the NFL, Butler has established himself as a reliable, high-effort interior defensive lineman. Through 2025, he has played in 121 games, amassed 211 total tackles, recorded 27.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and defended 18 passes. He is also a Super Bowl LIII champion from his time with New England. Butler is widely regarded as a selfless, hard-working player with good football character — he overcame going undrafted, carved out a steady role, and played multiple key seasons with different teams. His work ethic, durability, and team-first mindset are often praised in organizational and media coverage.

Strengths

• Interior pass‑rush presence: Despite being “just” a 301-lb defensive tackle, Butler has consistently generated pressure from the inside. In 2024, he recorded 5 sacks for the Raiders. Las Vegas Raiders

• Run‑stop ability: He combines good length (6'4", 301 lb) with solid power and leverage, making him effective at holding his ground vs. the run. ESPN.com

• Durability and reliability: Over multiple seasons, he's played a high number of games; for instance, 17 games in both 2023 and 2024. Las Vegas Raiders

• Versatility in defensive fronts: Butler has experience in different schemes (Patriots, Raiders, Dolphins) and can be effective in various roles — as a 3‑tech or more traditional defensive tackle.

• High-effort and motor: He plays with consistent intensity. Reports and team sources highlight his “selfless” approach: taking on double teams, disrupting plays, and making less glamorous but important contributions. Las Vegas Raiders

• Pass deflection ability: With 18 passes defensed in his career so far, Butler has shown the ability to bat down balls at the line, which is a valuable trait for a lineman. Las Vegas Raiders

• Championship experience: Having been part of a Super Bowl-winning team (Patriots, SB LIII), he brings postseason experience and a winning culture.

Weaknesses

• Not a dominant sack artist: While solid, his sack numbers (27.0 over many seasons) suggest he is not among the elite interior pass‑rushers in terms of pure production.

• Undersized for an every-down “anchor” NT: At 301 lbs, he’s lighter than many true nose tackles; this could limit his ability to anchor against double teams in some power-heavy run attacks. ESPN.com

• Blocker limitations: While he holds his own, he is not known for being an elite, mauling run-blocker compared to linemen specifically built for 0‑tech/1‑tech spots.

• Late bloomer: As an undrafted player, he had to fight for roles; he may lack the high-end upside that high-drafted, “blue-chip” linemen sometimes offer.

• Age and contract risk: Given that he is in his 30s and recently signed a multi-year deal, there is some risk of decline in explosiveness or snap count management.

Fit & Outlook

Adam Butler fits as a core rotational interior defensive lineman in a 4‑3 or 3‑4 front — someone who can demand double teams, generate pockets of pressure, and shore up the run defense. On the Raiders, he’s become a trustworthy veteran presence, especially after stepping up in 2024 to record a career-high in tackles (65) and sacks (5). Looking ahead, Butler’s outlook is that of a steady veteran contributor rather than a breakout superstar. He has earned a three‑year, $16.5 million contract (as of March 2025), indicating that the Raiders see him as a foundational piece on the interior. If he continues playing at a high level, he could remain a key part of the rotation, particularly as a gap‑penetrator and block‑eater combo. His leadership and experience also add intangible value, helping younger linemen develop. However, his long-term ceiling may be limited by his physical profile and his non-elite burst; teams relying on him will likely imagine him more as a high-IQ, high-effort veteran rather than a perennial Pro Bowl disruptor. Still, for what he is — dependable, versatile, and tough — he’s a strong piece in the middle and could continue to be a force for 2–3 more seasons if he stays healthy and effective.