The buildup surrounding day one of the Raiders draft was astronomical. With that being said, how did people around the NFL view Oakland’s No.4 overall pick?
Having possession of the fourth overall pick, gave Mayock and Gruden multiple options they could explore. Trade up, trade back, or sit put at No.4. They came to the conclusion that sitting at No.4 and selecting Clemson’s edge rusher Clelin Ferrell was their best bet.
Raider nation has seen both ends of the spectrum, from drafting JaMarcus Russell, to drafting Khalil Mack. After Mike Mayock’s first pick as the Raiders general manager, how did people around the NFL view their approach to their fourth overall pick?
This might be a “surprise pick” for a lot of Raiders fans, but let’s look at the upside. Ferrell is an edge rusher, which was obviously the biggest hole on the Raiders roster. When a team’s handcuffed and forced to address a certain position in the draft, reaching for a player happens more often than not. This was the Raiders case here at No.4 overall.
Here is some of the national reaction on Twitter.
At No. 4, the first of their three first-rounders, the #Raiders and new GM Mike Mayock take #Clemson DE Clelin Ferrell. FOR REAL. They said it would be a surprise...
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2019
Tom Pelissero said Ferrell had a second-round grade.
There were teams with 2nd-round grades on Clelin Ferrell. #Raiders may have just outsmarted everyone, but "bold" would be an understatement for the first pick of the Mayock/Gruden era.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 26, 2019
Vic Tafur from The Athletic saw it as a bit of a reach.
#Raiders do take a DL at No. 4, but it's Clelin Ferrell. A reach but he is a pass rusher.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) April 26, 2019
Big Moe weighed in as well.
Folks, this is why you don't go into the draft with glaring needs without solid veteran placeholders at that particular spot. You start drafting for need--and I LIKE Clelin Ferrell for the #Raiders. I just don't love it at 4.
— Moe Moton (@MoeMoton) April 26, 2019
From the man himself.
The moment Clelin Ferrell heard his name called at No. 4 overall.
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) April 26, 2019
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💻 https://t.co/uZNXvuqQYM pic.twitter.com/JENqElgRR2
Raiders fans were not as happy
Clelin Ferrell to the Raiders and fans are confused 🤨 pic.twitter.com/W6c8T2QWhu
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 26, 2019
Many had Ferrell mocked to the Raiders throughout the draft process, but not at No.4. Despite the slight reach, he does have an extremely high ceiling to develop. Paul Guenther finally gets his new weapon on defense to groom for the future.
He produced at the highest level in college, dominating in the national championship against Alabama. He finished his college career winning the ACC defensive player of the year and a consensus All-American.
This is just the first player to get penciled in, as the Raiders will make more picks at No.24, No.27, No.35, No.106, No.140, No.218, and No.235, if they don’t trade up or down.