Oakland Raiders: Projected rookie roles, statistics for 2019 season
DE Clelin Ferrell (No. 4 overall)
The decision to take defensive end Clelin Ferrell shocked many spectators, including the man picked No. 4, per Matt Schneidman of the San Jose Mercury News:
New Raiders DE Clelin Ferrell on being picked No. 4: "I would be lying to you if I said I wasn't surprised."
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) April 26, 2019
Although it’s a shocker, the Raiders absolutely needed a defensive end who can set the edge and pressure the pocket. Some may call it a reach, but it’s a safe pick since Mayock would’ve waited until the 24th or 27th slots to fill a dire need, barring a trade.
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Unlike Josh Allen out of Kentucky, Ferrell played in a similar defensive alignment — an even-man front — which makes his floor a lot higher with the Raiders. He’ll start right away for a front line that needs his skill set.
At Clemson, Ferrell lined up next to two first-round talents, interior tackles Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins. He’ll also have two defensive tackles who could penetrate offensive lines in Oakland.
Last year, P.J. Hall flashed as a run-defender late in the season and Maurice Hurst led the team with four sacks. It’s important to note because their ability to win one-on-one battles would take some attention away from Ferrell on the end. If not, the Clemson product could see constant double-teams.
Ferrell doesn’t have fluidity in his hips like the top pass-rushers in the league, but he exerts enough power with his 34.125-inch arms to push into an offensive lineman’s chest.
Regardless of a player’s success on the collegiate level, it’s tough to jump into the professional game and dominate with a bottom-tier defense. Ferrell won’t reach double-digit sacks out of the gate, but he’ll display the pass-rushing ability that’s on his collegiate film for a decent first year.
Projection: 6 sacks, 10 tackles for a loss, 2 forced fumbles