The Oakland Raiders brought in a ton of young talent this offseason, and they will be expected to make an impact in year one in the NFL.
During the 2019 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders held three first round picks, and many expected they would use some of that draft capital to get more Day 2 picks. However, the team instead decided to stay put, bringing in three elite players, who will be expected to make an impact in year one of their NFL journey.
Their first pick, at No. 4 overall, was Clemson edge rusher Clelin Ferrell, who will instantly become a starter in Paul Guenther’s 4-3 defense. Ferrell will be expected to lead a brand new group of defensive ends in 2018, which returns only Arden Key, their 2018 third round draft pick, who is expected to be a situational pass rusher.
At No. 24 overall, the selection they got from the Chicago Bears for Khalil Mack, the Raiders brought in the feature running back that head coach Jon Gruden has been looking for. Josh Jacobs is the kind of three-down back that this offense needed, and based on his ability to not only run the ball, but be effective in the passing game, he is a perfect fit.
Oakland capped off a productive first round by bringing in safety Johnathan Abram at pick No. 27, a player considered the best in his position group in the draft class. Both Jacobs and Abram held that distinction heading into the first round, so to get both was quite a haul for the Raiders.
Throughout the rest of the draft, the Raiders added quality players that should help right away as rookies. Guys like cornerback Trayvon Mullen, edge rusher Maxx Crosby, and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow are all guys who will battle for starting spots this summer, and Isaiah Johnson, Foster Moreau, and Quinton Bell will added depth at their positions.
Overall, all nine draft picks will have a chance to impact this Raiders team in 2019, and even some undrafted rookie free agents could produce this Fall. Linebacker Te’Von Coney, wide receiver Keelan Doss, and fullback Alec Ingold could all make the team out of camp, and all three were big surprises when they were not drafted last month.
The Raiders won four games last season, so it is no big surprise that the organization would revamp the entire roster this offseason. The bottom line is, all 12 of these rookies could play a role on this team in 2019, but for the early round picks, they will have to be big-time contributors if this thing is going to get pointed in the right direction.