Las Vegas Raiders: 5 former first-round picks that must reach their potential in 2021
No. 4: Clelin Ferrell
Holding three first-round picks in the 2019 NFL Draft, the then-Oakland Raiders had some serious holes to fill. One of the bigger holes was upfront along the defensive line, as they traded away Khalil Mack before the 2018 NFL season, and would go on to be one of the worst teams in the league in terms of getting after the quarterback.
With the No. 4 overall pick, all signs pointed to the Silver and Black adding Josh Allen, a dynamic edge rusher from the University of Kentucky. Instead, the Raiders went with a two-time All-American in Clelin Ferrell, who won two national titles at Clemson and seemed to fit what the team needed on defense.
Well, entering his third season, Ferrell has not become a dominant edge rusher, and despite him improving in a big way in 2020, many feel he has not played up to his No. 4 overall draft slot. There is more talent around him in 2021, and he will be used in a hybrid role, so while he may never be a double-digit sack guy at the next level, he can still make a serious impact weekly.