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Oakland Raiders 2019 rookie class is making an instant impact

By Daniel Davis

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders warms-up before the start of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders warms-up before the start of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 27: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans throws a pass under pressure from Clelin Ferrell #96 of the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter at NRG Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 27: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans throws a pass under pressure from Clelin Ferrell #96 of the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter at NRG Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Edge. Tigers . Clelin Ferrell. 4. player. 879.

Clelin Ferrell was taken at 4th overall with the expectation he’d be in a starting role and hopefully, one day, fill the shoes of Khalil Mack as the pass-rusher. Taken at 4th overall, many Raider fans scratched their heads as to why he was drafted so high.

Ferrell is 6’4″ and 267 pounds. With a big frame, he should be able to use his power and his quickness to his advantage. However, he hasn’t been able to do so against NFL tackles who have better blocking ability than college-level coaches.

The biggest difference is their footwork and quickness off the ball. NFL tackles are also very good at pushing speed edge rushers around the pocket and use their strength against them.

So far, Ferrell is the lowest rated edge defender in the first round and has had a disappointing start to his career in Oakland. With only one sack, one quarterback hit, and 11 hurries in 181 pass-rush plays, his pass rush rating is only 46 overall. To compare, the other two first-round picks, Nick Bosa and Josh Allen, have 14 sacks combined.

Ferrell has a lot to prove to this team and to himself that he can play at an elite level worth a first-round pick.

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