Draft DE Clelin Ferrell with their First Pick
*This suggestion comes with the caveat that both Nick Bosa and Josh Allen are off the board. If either of them are available, they should be the pick.
That being said, whether the Raiders keep the fourth overall draft pick, or trade down with a quarterback needy team as CBS Sports suggests, Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell should be the pick.
Oakland is in desperate need of a pass rush. The Raiders mustered a league worst 13 sacks in 2018. Every other team in the league had at least 30. As Sports Information Solutions points out, the Raiders had the least amount of points saved via their pass rush.
Most Points Saved – Pass Rush in 2018
1. Bears
2. Bills
3. Vikings
4. Redskins
5. Chiefs
6. Texans
7. Rams
8. Ravens32. Raiders
31. Packers
30. Falcons
Points Saved explainerhttps://t.co/F0VMokK8TJ— Sports Info Solutions (@SportsInfo_SIS) January 2, 2019
Adding someone to rush the passer off the edge is vital. Arden Key showed strides during his rookie season and looks like he could man the right side of the line for years to come. However, he mustered just one sack and 11 QB hits on the season. Adding an explosive weapon opposite of Key could open up stronger lanes for the former LSU Tiger to rush the passer.
That player should be Clemson’s Ferrell.
In his four years at Clemson, Ferrell amassed 27 sacks and 49 tackles for a loss. He has named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2018 with 11.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for a loss. He has proven during his time at Clemson that he has a knack for getting to the quarterback, exactly what the Raiders need.
In his evaluation of Ferrell, The Draft Network’s Joe Marino writes:
Listed at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, Ferrell brings a dynamic athletic skill set to the table to pair with his ideal physical traits. Blessed with length and quickness, Ferrell knows how to use his gifts on the field and make plays.
There is a chance Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is available at the Raiders pick. While he might be looked at as a strong talent, it remains key for Oakland to take a pass rusher, especially one with Ferrell’s talents.
The team already used draft picks on P.J. Hall and Maurice Hurst in 2017. Hurst especially looks like the real deal and could be a fixture on the line going forward. The Raiders should give Hall a chance to start in 2018 while letting Hurst continue to develop.
A defensive line of Ferrell, Hall, Hurst and Key makes more sense than Frostee Rucker, Hurst, Williams and Key.
Adding to their non-existent pass rush should be one of Gruden and Mayock’s top priority. If Allen and Bosa are off the board, they should look to Clelin Ferrell and his explosiveness off the line to attack the quarterback in 2019 and beyond.
