Though Clelin Ferrell has a signature sack celebration, it’s been easy to miss during his rookie campaign. The Raiders’ No. 4 overall draft pick hasn’t made the impact expected from such a high selection.
The defensive end from Clemson notched 2.5 sacks Week 10 against the Chargers and performed his custom move, which appeared to be a simulated fishing rod casting, followed by a quick hook and reel. But he’s been largely shut out otherwise, with just 3.5 QB sacks to his credit.
General manager Mike Mayock and coach Jon Gruden expected Ferrell to possess more substance than flash, however. If the Raiders wanted a pass-rush specialist, they could have drafted DE Josh Allen, the highly-touted impact player from the University of Kentucky.
The Jaguars, who come to Oakland this Sunday, did pull the trigger on Allen with the No. 7 choice, and Allen has rewarded them by recording nine sacks thus far.
Gruden talked about Ferrell’s initial campaign earlier this week, noting he suffered from an illness that caused him to lose weight and miss the Raiders’ Week 5 game against the Bears and he’s still regaining strength. The coach also reiterated what kind of player Ferrell is.
“He’s not a specialized pass rusher that comes in 30 snaps a game and cuts it loose. A lot of the production that we’ve got from Ferrell is production that no one really knows about,” Gruden said, though Ferrell played just 29 snaps last week against the Titans. “But he’s had some really good moments. He’s had some tough snaps and some tough, tough moments, but he’s hanging in there and I’m proud of him.”
Indeed, Ferrell struggled early this year in all situations, not just rushing the passer. His play against the run has improved lately, however. Still, Gruden knows his defense needs more QB pressure and foresees more signature moves from Ferrell in the future.
“That’s something he’s got to get going on. He’s got 3.5 or 4 sacks I think, but we think he’s got the potential to get more than that,” Gruden said, after acknowledging that Ferrell himself knows he’s more of a well-rounded player than a one-trick pony.
With the Raiders defense reeling, Oakland needs Ferrell to expand his repertoire if they’re to finish the season strong, starting this Sunday with what will, in all likelihood, be the Raiders’ last game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
And with Allen and his flashy numbers in town, Ferrell has ample motivation to show the entire NFL that Mayock made the correct choice at No. 4. He’s got the signature move. Now, all he needs to do is get to the QB and take him down.
[vertical-gallery id=59060]
[lawrence-newsletter]