Oakland Raiders: Top targets with three first-round picks in 2019 NFL Draft

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 10: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sidelines against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on August 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 25: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

The Cowboys pick acquired in the Cooper trade

Gruden traded Khalil Mack to begin the year, but has since discussed how the Raiders need a better pass rush. While it’s head-scratching given the circumstances, it’s not a wrong assessment of the current team. Bruce Irvin doesn’t have what it takes to generate the pass rush needed for a top defensive end. 2018 third-round pick Arden Key is a talented pass rusher, but he’s not the guy who’ll impact in the run game.

Subsequently, the Raiders are going to need a defensive end who can develop into the type of player Mack was. Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell is one of the top edge prospects in the 2019 draft. He has the size (6-6, 260 pounds) and strength to set the edge against the run. His 66 total tackles and 18 tackles for loss last season stands as evidence of that.

This season, he’s done more of the same with 28 total tackles and 12 tackles for loss through just nine weeks of the season. Offensive tackles have a hard time stopping the relentless hands of Ferrell. Additionally, he does a great job using a couple of moves, and he’s most effective utilizing the chop-rip. After beating his man, he shows the ability to bend and squeeze to limit the space between himself and the quarterback. When he’s getting after the passer, he possesses a non-stop motor that allows him to catch his prey.

With Key and Ferrell, the Raiders would have two young bookends on the defensive line to build around.

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