Which Raiders rookie will make the biggest impact on defense?

The Oakland Raiders went defense with three of their first four picks, but which player will have the biggest impact in Year 1.

The Raiders had a lot to work with in the NFL draft, with three picks in the first round to fill some holes on the roster. Both sides of the ball could use some improvement from last season, but the Raiders decided to go heavy on defense in the draft. Out of all the defensive rookies the Raiders drafted, who will make the biggest impact in 2019?

The Raiders drafted six players on the defensive side of the ball in the draft, addressing multiple positions. Out of the six new players on defense, three of them were taken in the first two rounds, meaning that they are expected to get a good amount of playing time.

The new faces that Mike Mayock selected include Clelin Ferrell (DE), Johnathan Abram (S), Trayvon Mullen (CB), Maxx Crosby (DE), Isaiah Johnson (CB), and Quinton Bell (DE). Out of all of these names, there are three legit candidates; Clelin Ferrell, Johnathan Abram, and Trayvon Mullen.

Clelin Ferrell will have the most opportunity to make an impact, as he will be plugged in as not only a starting defensive end, but hopefully a three down player. The Raiders biggest weakness last season was the pass rush, and Clelin Ferrell is expected to lead the defensive line to the quarterback.

Ferrell was the first of the Raiders three first round picks, so it is clear to see how important the Raiders believe he will be in the rebuild of the defensive line. Ferrell will have a chance to not only make the biggest impact out of the rookies on defense, but out of the entire team. If Ferrell can be as efficient in the NFL as he was in college, he will have a huge part in turning the team around.

Both Abram and Mullen will be on the field often, as well, but the Raiders have other solid players at those positions. The Raiders have three good safeties on the roster, and although Abram will start and have an impact on the field, safeties Lamarcus Joyner and Karl Joseph would be a solid duo on the field.

Abram will have a chance to make a huge impact on this team, especially if Joyner performs well at slot, and Joseph and Abram can work well together at the safety positions. Abram will have the ability not only to make an impact on his own, but make the team better all around with the ability to have Joyner, Joseph, and himself on the field all at once.

Mullen will be battling for a starting corner back spot,a position he very well could earn. Gareon Conley has the top corner back spot locked, and Lamarcus Joyner will be in the slot, but there is still one more spot open to be a starter on this defense.

With Nick Nelson and Daryl Worley at the position, it will take a lot for Mullen to make as big of an impact as Ferrell or Abram, but it is not impossible. If Mullen can come out and dominate, taking the CB2 spot, Mullen and Conley could dominate wide receivers, and make a massive impact on this team.

Overall, it seems like the clear choice for the biggest impact defensive rookie is Clelin Ferrell. Without Ferrell, this defensive line would most likely rank last again in terms of sacks, and if Ferrell can get a few sacks this season, he will make a massive impact for the team.

Without getting to the QB, all parts of the defense suffer, including the safeties and corners. Without Clelin Ferrell, other rookies such as Abram and Mullen will not be able to perform their best, so it all starts with the Raiders first pick of the draft, Clelin Ferrell.