The Raiders have received praise for their 2019 draft class, and rightfully so. Running back Josh Jacobs, tight end Foster Moreau and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, among others, certainly impressed.
It’s the man at the top of the draft class, however, that many aren’t sure what to make of just yet. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell, the No. 4 overall choice a year ago and the first-ever draft pick by Raiders general manager Mike Mayock, generally underwhelmed during his rookie campaign.
The success of the rest of his class provided some cover for Ferrell’s lackluster season, but negative opinions of him from outside of the team still persist.
But that apparently doesn’t bother the former Clemson standout. He’s actually embracing the unmet expectations that surround him.
“I never look at pressure as something that can break you down. Pressure is a privilege for me. I never listen to what people had to say even though you know you hear it,” Ferrell said Thursday from training camp. “You definitely hear it, but for me, nobody knows what I know internally or what we know internally as a team. I just block a lot of that stuff out. It doesn’t matter. I know I had a good rookie year regardless of what anybody had to say about me. I’m just ready to improve on it and get to a Super Bowl this season.”
Much of the criticism directed at Ferrell stems from his low sack total from 2019. He racked up 4.5 such plays, and for a top-5 draft pick, more impact is expected.
Mayock and the Raiders coaching staff were clear early on, however: they weren’t anticipating high QB sack totals from Ferrell. He’s a well-rounded DE, rather than a one-dimensional pass rusher.
Plus, he battled food poisoning Week 5 against the Bears, losing 15 pounds during the season. He’s gained that weight back and added an additional 13 pounds of muscle, setting his playing weight at roughly 275.
It’s clear the outside voices heard by Ferrell didn’t stymie his physical growth. They may have even fueled it. And his stoicism fits the role of team leader, which is another reason Mayock and coach Jon Gruden selected him.
Now, all he has to do is use his attitude and brand-new body to fulfill expectations—not those from the outside, mind you, but rather those from inside the organization and Ferrell himself.
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