Oakland Raiders select Clelin Ferrell: Grade, reaction for 2019 NFL Draft

The Oakland Raiders shocked everyone with the fourth-overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft as they took Clelin Ferrell out of Clemson. Grading the selection.

The Oakland Raiders undoubtedly were the team to watch coming into the 2019 NFL Draft. General manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden needed to make a statement and, boy, did they. After trading away Khalil Mack, the Raiders needed a pass rusher and took one with the fourth-overall pick: Clelin Ferrell out of Clemson

Fans following the NFL Draft were simply shocked that Ferrell became the No. 4 overall pick. In fact, ESPN’s Todd McShay didn’t have Ferrell in his top 20 ranked players.

It is a bit weird that so many analysts were down on Ferrell in the pre-draft process considering his production in college. Meanwhile, the noise of him being a late first-rounder missed Mayock, who relied on film and character. Over the last two seasons, Ferrell dominated the line of scrimmage with 38 tackles for loss and 21 sacks.

Ferrell is a power rusher with the ability to set the edge against the run. He’s a high character guy that can help bring leadership to the Raiders new era. At 6-4, 263 pounds, Ferrell plays with leverage behind his long arms and uses solid technique and quick hands.

Moreover, he has a quick first step and shows flexibility. He’s a solid athlete but, as mentioned before, Ferrell’s technique is where he makes his bones. No, he’s not Khalil Mack, but he’s no slouch and makes for a solid building block on the Raiders defense

In Paul Guenther’s defense, Ferrell brings an identical skill-set to what Gunther had with Carlos Dunlap in Cincinnati. He’ll play base end as a staple for the Raiders defense. Pairing him with Maurice Hurst gives the Raiders two guys who can rush from the middle and the edge.

Ferrell was the pick but was he the best player on the board? Some may question it, but for Oakland, there’s no doubt they have their man.

Grade: B