There have been several nation analysts downing the Oakland Raiders for taking Clemson football DE Clelin Ferrell with the No. 4 overall pick.
Former Clemson football defensive end heard his named called a bit earlier than basically anyone expected last Thursday during the 2019 NFL Draft.
Ferrell, who was projected to be anywhere between 10-19 in the draft, went No. 4 overall to the Oakland Raiders.
The Raiders went on to select fellow teammates Trayvon Mullen and Hunter Renfrow in the draft. They also will have Cannon Smith work out for a chance at a contract in the near future. The Raiders fell in love with the character of Clemson football players and the way that the program has been built.
Ultimately, that led them to taking Ferrell with the No. 4 overall pick instead of edge-rushers like Josh Allen, Rashan Gary, Brian Burns and Montez Sweat. Since then, many national analysts have questioned the pick.
Some say that Ferrell has potential, but was a reach at No. 4. Others say the Raiders absolutely made a poor decision by taking Ferrell in that spot instead of trading down to get more assets.
Though the talking heads will do what they do best- talk- one thing’s for sure: the Raiders didn’t miss on their pick.
Ferrell is a versatile prospect who has the ability to rush the passer, as well as set a hard-edge in the running game. His football IQ is through the roof and you can see that in the way he plays with a seasoned technique and solid fundamentals.
He still has areas of which he can improve, but Ferrell is going to have the opportunity to contribute and make an impact right away.
Though many analysts are high on guys like Gary, Allen and Burns, none of those guys have been tested or have proven what Ferrell has proven at the collegiate level. Gary never really proved his work ethic. Burns was a dominant pass-rusher at times in the ACC, but then also faltered against Mitch Hyatt- who by the way wasn’t even drafted.
Ferrell was one of the safest picks in the draft and one of the most proven players come out of college this season.
Though it’s not the flashy pick, it certainly wasn’t the wrong pick and the narrative needs to stop that he was taken too highly. Character, leadership, talent and explosiveness. Ferrell has it all and deserved that spot.