The Oakland Raiders have selected Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell with the No. 4 overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. Below is our scouting report on the 2018 ACC Defensive Player of the Year:
Strengths
- Pro-ready when it comes to technique, mixing great use of hands and a good understanding of leverage.
- High-motor player who never gives up on a play, helping him earn clean up sacks when others create pressure.
- Advanced pass rush plan, knows when to bull rush and is able to set up tackles for counters later on in the game.
- Super productive at Clemson, totaling 50 tackles for a loss and 27 sacks at three seasons.
- Dominate All-American Jonah Wiliams at Alabama during the 2018 National Championship Game.
Weaknesses
- Lacks the athletic profile to become premier edge rusher in the league, coming in the lower percentile for 20-yard shuttle and 3-cone.
- Struggles with speed rush and can be too reliant on technique.
- Played with an awesome supporting cast.
Ferrell can ultimately be described as a high-floor, low-ceiling player. He was a productive edge rusher at Clemson, racking up 27 sacks during his career, but was surrounded by two potential Day 1 draft picks. Expect him to have a high floor, but maybe a lower ceiling than some of the other defensive end prospects.
