Oakland Raiders: Jon Gruden pleased with the growth of his three first-round picks

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Head Coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Head Coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 15: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals is brought down by free safety Karl Joseph #42 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half of the NFL preseason game at State Farm Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 15: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals is brought down by free safety Karl Joseph #42 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half of the NFL preseason game at State Farm Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Clelin Ferrell

Clelin Ferrell has played in two of the three preseason games thus far. With all reports coming out of training camp, Ferrell has been a force in practice. However, he really hasn’t shown much in the limited time he’s played in live games.

Gruden and Mayock have been on the ‘Ferrell train’ from the get-go. Since Ferrell became a Raider, anyone in the building from players to coaches have been blown away that he’s just a rookie. The way he carries himself, the way he practices, and the way he plays has been superior up to this point.

All of Ferrell’s intangibles are positive signs for the Raiders as they are heavily invested in the pass rusher since they used the No.4 overall pick to acquire him.

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