Analyzing the Raiders Defensive Ends entering the 2022 Offseason

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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) /

Analyzing the Raiders Defensive Ends entering the 2022 Offseason

What to do with Cle and Carl?

Graham’s addition to the coaching staff could prove to be beneficial to former 4th overall pick Clelin Ferrell. Ferrell has largely been a bust since being overdrafted in 2019 but is still a useful NFL player.

Ferrell plays well as a run defender and fits what Graham looks for in a defensive end. Ferrell won’t have his 5th-year option exercised and should be motivated in an increased role in a contract year. Ferrell also played his least snaps in his career and was relegated to the 4th defensive end in the rotation.

However, Ferrell will likely get a promotion regardless because the team is unlikely to return Carl Nassib in 2022. Nassib has a cap hit over $9.6 million and could save the team plenty of money if designated as a post-June 1 cut. Ferrell also has a cap hit of nearly $10 million but would not net the Raiders any money if cut. Ferrell’s role should increase which would help justify that number.

Nassib has proved to be a bust-free agent signing despite playing better this season. Nassib and Ferrell actually had the same amount of sacks this season despite Nassib playing much more.

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