5 Pleasant surprises early on at Las Vegas Raiders training camp

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Clelin Ferrell #96 of the Oakland Raiders rushes during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Clelin Ferrell #96 of the Oakland Raiders rushes during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

5 Pleasant surprises early on at Las Vegas Raiders training camp

ClelinFerrell

2019 No. 4 overall pick Clelin Ferrell is needs to produce in year 2 in order to justify the draft capital that was used on his selection. No one has taken that more to heart that Ferrell, who reportedly lived at a training facility in the off-season in order to completely focus on overhauling his body to be more ready for the grind of an NFL season.

Fellow defensive linemen Maurice Hurst told Vic Tafur of the Athletic; “[Ferrell] looks really good this year. I can definitely tell that he worked very hard in the offseason. He looks bigger and faster and more comfortable. The game is slowing down for him.”

The defense looks to have big plans for the second year defensive-end; including moving him around to take advantage of his power to win match-ups against the run and pass. Marinelli remarked “High football character, right off the bat…he’s got position flexibility, I love that with him.”

Fans need to understand the best part of Ferrell’s game will be stopping the run. If he can continue to develop as a pass rusher who can be deployed from the edge and the interior, his career could mirror that of Michael Bennett. Bennett was a 3-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champion who only reached double digit sacks once in his career but provided an impact up and down the defensive line for a great defense in his prime.