Las Vegas Raiders: 5 Players impressing the most at training camp

The Las Vegas Raiders have to take notice of these five training camp standouts.

Head coach Jon Gruden immediately started giving the now-Las Vegas Raiders a facelift when he arrived and general manager Mike Mayock only continued the process thereafter. From trading Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper away to stockpiling draft picks used on “their guys”, the Raiders have been rebuilding in their specific image. But now that image needs to start taking form.

It’s time for the Raiders to start competing for a playoff spot and not just having an outside chance like they did last year. But with a shortened offseason, that places an increased emphasis on Raiders training camp and what the coaches see from the players that they need to step up.

As we prepare for the 2020 NFL season and look at Raiders training camp thus far, these are the players who have been stepping up, making plays and impressing the most in practices to this point.

Note: All stats are via Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.

5. Clelin Ferrell, DE

Picking Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft was a decision that was met with the ire of plenty fans and analysts. The Raiders seemingly reached on a player that would’ve been available much later, not getting good value. But then again, Gruden and now Mayock have proven that they don’t care much about the opinion of others and are going to operate how they see fit.

Of course, Ferrell’s rookie season wasn’t necessarily the best. In fact, another rookie, mid-round pick Maxx Crosby, out-performed the former Tiger. But Ferrell did flash as he finished with 4.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss in 15 games.

But the Raiders need more from their former first-round pick for him to prove the doubters wrong. And based on what they’re seeing in training camp, that might be the case.

Ferrell has been a standout throughout training camp practices but it’s most evident with how he’s changed his body. The Athletic’s Vic Tafur (subscription required) reported that the Raiders have noticed that the young end has changed his body with an offseason “boot camp” looking “bigger and faster” than he was as a rookie. Perhaps big things are in store for the Vegas pass rush if the young edge rusher can take off.