The Oakland Raiders shocked the NFL world when they selected Clelin Ferrell fourth overall in the NFL Draft. What was even more shocking was that they passed on Kentucky edge rusher Josh Allen.
Allen had been been considered one of the best prospects in the draft and consistently mocked inside the top five. He ended up falling all the way to the Jaguars with the seventh overall pick.
Why the Raiders went Ferrell, who many expected to be available in the late-teens seemed unknown. Obviously Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden thought he was better than what the general public viewed.
However, a new report from the Athletic’s Vic Tarfur not only reveals why the team passed on Josh Allen, but some reasoning behind the Ferrell selection.
Tarfur writes:
I heard that the Raiders weren’t that impressed. I reported pretty early on he wasn’t in play for them at No. 4. I would never question a player’s toughness, but there were concerns that he got pushed around a little on some plays at Kentucky and he may not have had enough dog in him for [Jon] Gruden and [defensive coordinator Paul] Guenther’s liking.
For starters, Tarfur reports that the Raiders didn’t view Allen as having the toughness needed to play on their defense. Clearly the team wants to build a gritty core that isn’t afraid to play into contact.
Furthermore, if Allen wasn’t tough enough, that must mean that Mayock and Gruden felt that Ferrell played the role of a hard-hitting edge rusher who fits their desired model.
In watching Ferrell’s highlights, you’re able to see that he has a knack for getting to the football. Whether it be the quarterback or running back, Ferrell is always around the ball. He has a high-end motor and doesn’t give up on plays. He seems to always be in the backfield.
More so than anything else, Ferrell is clearly viewed as a hard-nosed football player. The coaching staff feels that Ferrell is willing to play aggressive football and is tough enough to fit in their schemes.
As Mayock, Gruden and Paul Guenther try to build their defense of the future, it’s clear the type of players they want. Players who are willing to take a hit and play tough football. While it was a surprise at the time, clearly Allen did not fit that role.
Allen has yet to play an NFL snap. Perhaps the reports are wrong and he shows he has the toughness to succeed in the NFL.
However, while pundits laughed and gave the Raiders poor grades for their selection of Ferrell, it’s clear he is just what the coaching staff is looking for.
Mike Mayock has made a career out of evaluating talent. If he felt that Allen did not have the “dog” in him to play in the Raiders’ defense, it most likely is the truth.
There’s no telling who will have a better NFL career between Allen and Ferrell. But the Raiders clearly got their man and have a plan as to how they want to build their defense of the future.
