The then-Oakland Raiders had a major haul during the 2019 NFL Draft, and though some have gotten off to slow starts, it could be an elite class.
The then-Oakland Raiders 2019 draft class was a controversial one, to say the least, and it started with the fourth overall pick. Oakland selected former Clemson Tiger Clelin Ferrell, who many draft experts and evaluators believed to be a late first-round pick at best.
The Silver and Black took him in the top five with guys like Devin White, Josh Allen, and Ed Oliver still on the board. Holding three first-round picks, the Raiders then selected Alabama running back Josh Jacobs, who has gone on to become one of the best young running backs in the league.
Outside of Jacobs, the Raiders have gotten some production from later-round guys, including Maxx Crosby and Hunter Renfrow. A healthy Foster Moreau should have an impact in 2021, and a second-round pick, Trayvon Mullen has looked the part of a legitimate CB1.
However, Johnathan Abram, another first-rounder that year, has done nothing, and both he and Ferrell will need more production in Year 3. If they can get better, this class has a chance to be elite, especially with how well Mike Mayock did after the first round.
The success or demise of the 2021 Las Vegas Raiders relies on whether or not this draft class can live up to the expectations of Mayock and Jon Gruden. These guys were drafted to be the cornerstones of this team after all, and if they can’t become that, then this team is in big trouble.
Now, facing mounting pressure with the latest season on the horizon, here is how some members of the 2019 draft class can improve and become the difference makers that they were meant to be.