The 2019 draft class from the Oakland Raiders will likely be one that is discussed for a while. Entering that offseason, the Raiders had three first-round picks in part due to trades of Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper.
While many people have criticized the pick of Clemson defensive end at No. 4 overall, the Raiders still had an excellent draft. First-year general manager Mike Mayock was able to find a ton of talent on all three days of the draft.
In a recent article by Gennaro Filice and Nick Shook of NFL.com, the Raiders’ class ranked seventh in the NFL last season. Take a look at Filice and Shook’s thoughts on the Raiders’ draft from a year ago:
Ferrell showed promise as a rookie, recording 4.5 sacks, but he needs to be more consistent in rushing the passer. Analysis on Abram is incomplete, as he played only one game due to a shoulder injury. Jacobs, however, was an excellent addition, breaking 1,100 yards as a rookie and providing the Raiders with a much-needed bellcow in the backfield. Mullen was a solid corner as a rookie, excelling in run support while also recording one interception. Crosby was even better, recording 10 sacks opposite Ferrell. Moreau served as a complementary but scarcely targeted option opposite breakout tight end Darren Waller. Renfrow made the transition by doing what he did at Clemson: maximizing his talents.
While you certainly can argue that the Raiders should be higher on this list, it’s undeniable just how much production the team got from this class. If Jonathan Abram can return to full strength and players like Ferrell, Crosby and Mullen can continue to produce on the defensive side of the ball, this could very well be a franchise-altering draft class for the Raiders.
If the Raiders can have another draft like this in 2020, they could become long-term contenders in the AFC as soon as next season.
