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Raiders: 5 former first-round picks that must reach their potential in 2021

By Brad Weiss

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 06: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Las Vegas Raiders hauls in a fourth quarter touchdown against Josh Adams #36 of the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 06, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Raiders defeated the Jets 31-28. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 06: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Las Vegas Raiders hauls in a fourth quarter touchdown against Josh Adams #36 of the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 06, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Raiders defeated the Jets 31-28. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 06: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Clelin Ferrell #96 of the Las Vegas Raiders in action against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 06, 2020, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Raiders defeated the Jets 31-28. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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.

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