The first game of the preseason is over, and it was a big night for several of the Raiders’ rookies. Today, we are going to grade the rookie’s first performance of their careers and assign them a grade. So without further ado, here are the rookie’s report card grades after Week 1 of the preseason.
DE Clelin Ferrell: A
The No. 4 pick in the 2019 draft was a captain in the team’s first preseason game. On the opening drive of the game, Ferrell drew a holding call in the run game to set up a 1st and 20 for the Rams that set up a punt.
On the second drive of the game, Ferrell forced another holding call. On the third drive of the game, Ferrell made a beautiful tackle on the quarterback scrambling outside of the pocket to force a punt. You can take a look at the play here:
Ferrell was brilliant for Oakland all night and couldn’t have had a better premiere. He is going to open the season as a Day 1 starter for Oakland.
RB Josh Jacobs: N/A
Josh Jacobs did not play in Week 1 of the preseason as the Raiders plan to limit his touches in the preseason. Look for him to get some touches next week and in the third preseason game.
SS Johnathan Abram: C
In addition to starting the game, Johnathan Abram was also the captain for the first game with fellow rookie Clelin Ferrell. The two are impressive leaders and are already winning over teammates. On the field, Abram didn’t do much. He didn’t play many snaps but did record two tackles. His big breakout game will have to wait a week.
CB Trayvon Mullen: B
Trayvon Mullen opened up the game as one of the team’s starters and quickly made his presence known. On the second drive of the game, Mullen broke up a pass to set up a long third down.
DE Maxx Crosby: C+
Crosby opened up the game as the other starting defensive end opposite of Clelin Ferrell. While he didn’t make any splash plays, he did record two tackles. The fact that Crosby started means Oakland feels pretty good about their fourth-round pick. However, Crosby broke his hand during the contest and could be sidelined a few weeks.
CB Isaiah Johnson: N/A
Unfortunately for Isaiah Johnson, he could not afford to get injured. But on the second play of the game, Johnson took a knee to the head and was forced to leave the game. He didn’t return as the team evaluated him for a head injury.
TE Foster Moreau: B+
Foster Moreau opened up the game as the team’s starter as Darren Waller sat out with an injury. He made his first catch of his career on a critical third down, coming up just short of the first down. However, his reception allowed the Raiders to convert the 4th and inches. Moreau also contributed in the run game and looks like he can fill the No. 2 TE spot in Oakland.
WR Hunter Renfrow: C-
After a fantastic training camp, Hunter Renfrow opened up Week 1 of the preseason. His only target was broken up by safety Taylor Rapp, but he was held. Renfrow didn’t play much after the first drive as Oakland knows he will have a significant role for the season. Look for the former Clemson receiver to get more run next week.
DE Quinton Bell: D
After Clelin Ferrell, Maxx Crosby and Arden Key, Quinton Bell was the next defensive end for the Oakland Raiders. Bell played most of the second half but recorded just one tackle and no pressures. The former receiver is still an awfully raw player, and he’s going to need extended snaps to get up to speed.
