The rookie season for No. 4 overall pick Clelin Ferrell was the story of two halves. In his first six games, Ferrell recorded just two tackles for a loss and two quarterback hits. But in his final eight games, he was able to accumulate six tackles for a loss, including 3.5 sacks.
While it wasn’t a dominant rookie season, Ferrell showed flashes of improvement, especially against the run. But the Raiders didn’t spend the No. 4 pick in the draft for him to be a solid run defender. They need him to be an elite pass rusher.
At the NFL combine, general manager Mike Mayock spoke about the second-year edge rusher, saying that “he’s a perfectionist” and praised his work ethic. Coming into the 2019 draft, Ferrell was known for his high-character and never-ending motor. Those two qualities will ensure that he finds at least some success in the NFL.
Mayock also mentioned that Ferrell might have been moved around the line of scrimmage too much as a rookie and the team is hoping to find him a permanent home as a left defensive end next season.
With Rod Marinelli now coming into the fold on defense, expect Ferrell’s hand usage and technique to dramatically improve in comparison to his rookie season. And if the Raiders can get Ferrell to become a more consistently sound pass-rusher, the sack totals should rise.
Look for Ferrell, along with Maxx Crosby, to be the team’s opening day starters at defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders.
