Las Vegas Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens: 3 bold predictions in Week 1

Jan 3, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) catches a touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) catches a touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Las Vegas Raiders
HENDERSON, NEVADA – JULY 29: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs a drill during training camp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center on July 29, 2021, in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images) /

Raiders vs. Ravens: 3 bold predictions in Week 1

Clelin Ferrell Gets a Big Sack

Since he was drafted in 2019, Clelin Ferrell has received a lot of criticism from fans and analysts alike, and sometimes, it well deserved. He was drafted with the fourth overall pick, and he was expected to fill the shoes left behind by Kahlil Mack, and he still has yet to do that.

Ferrell isn’t necessarily a bad player. He is actually one of Las Vegas top run defenders, and he shows incredible awareness that allows him to knock down a pass from time to time. But when it comes to rushing the passer, Ferrell leaves a bit to be desired.

In the 26 games that he has played in, Ferrell has only had 6.5 sacks and 18 quarterback hits. That’s almost the same stat line that Maxx Crosby had in 2020.

Don’t fret though, Raider Nation. Even though Ferrell wasn’t the greatest in the preseason, he still has a chance to have a solid bounce-back year in 2021 now that the team has brought in Yannick Ngakoue to be their premier pass rusher opposite of Crosby.

When Ferrell is taking snaps on Monday, he should be able to use his size and length to create pressure and bring Lamar Jackson down if he tries to scramble out of the pocket.