Any football season can have its highs and lows, not to mention some unexpected turns.
The Raiders’ rookie class certainly knows that, and they prepared for a season that figures to be a roller coaster ride of sorts by riding actual roller coasters, according to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.
First-round selections defensive end Clelin Ferrell and safety Johnathan Abram led the way, though Abram appeared to enjoy the ride more than Ferrell.
It’s uncertain if the extreme elevation changes found on roller coasters at Six Flags will help the rookies navigate the rigors of an initial NFL season. But bonding with the help of a group activity surely will.
They’ll need every possible advantage. The Raiders defense allowed a league-high 467 points in 2018, and coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock expect Ferrell and Abram to lead drastic improvements on that side of the ball.
It’s not just their talent Raiders brass is counting on. Leadership was a focus for Gruden and Mayock with this year’s rookie class. Ferrell has received rave reviews in that area thus far.
And Ferrell put on a brave face for his fellow rookies, though he confirmed he doesn’t care for roller coasters via his Twitter account. Now that’s leadership.
He’ll need further resolve during his initial season in the NFL, which will see the Raiders without a home game in the Bay Area for nearly two months and will undoubtedly have its share of adversity as well as moments of triumph, especially for the rookie class.
