The 2019 NFL Draft is in the books and management for the Oakland Raiders did work that will be remembered as strategical. Here’s a breakdown of how the newest members of the Silver & Black rank based on numerous researched traits in their college career.
Ranking the Raiders Newest Rookie Class
1. Clelin Ferrell DE Clemson
A sound football player, whose selection was not as sexy as a Nick Bosa or Khalil Mack, Ferrell can be counted on for around roughly 10 sacks a year. General Manager Mike Mayock expects Ferrell to be a leader sooner rather than later and the way he goes about himself is clear evidence of why Mayock sees him this way.
Once Clelin Ferrell goes out and performs like Khalil Mack — a No. 5 pick — no one will think this is a reach. That's his standard.
— Jerry McDonald (@Jerrymcd) April 26, 2019
2. Jonathan Abram S Mississippi State
Abram is a throwback Raider in the remnants of a lot of past physical Oakland safeties. With Karl Joseph on the outside looking in, Abram should have a step ahead of him after just being drafted in the first round. He’s a nasty performing defender who showed up constantly on an underrated SEC defense. Abram loves to take away the opposition’s number one target and should get the chance to do so again.
3. Trayvon Mullen CB Clemson
Mullen is a sneaky quiet type of guy who just gets the job done. A junior who chose to leave early from the National Championship team. Never allowing a touchdown in college is quite special in the always demanding ACC Conference and Mullen was one of the few players to accomplish it. He’ll be expected to win a starting job from day one and be the number two corner behind Gareon Conley.
4. Josh Jacobs RB Alabama
The time is now for Josh Jacobs. He’ll most likely be expected to be the feature back out of the gate, unless Marshawn Lynch returns. Everyone who questioned the Tide superstar because of not supplanting other backs on the roster could get their wish granted early and often in 2019.
5. Hunter Renfrow WR Clemson
Renfrow is the clutch, slot receiver the Raiders have been searching for. This guy just seemed like he was always around for the Tigers when they needed him. To do it as a walk-on at Clemson and accomplish everything that he did is beyond impressive. He’ll have a real shot to start right away.
6. Maxx Crosby DE Eastern Michigan
The former Eastern Michigan Eagle is hoping to be a serious threat to see the field in the fall. Some promptly compared him to former All-Pro Jared Allen while Lions defensive lineman Damon Harrison even added his take on the Eastern Michigan standout. “Mad” Maxx already has a lot of fans, including Oakland’s owner Mark Davis himself, but now must work tirelessly to live up to the lofty praise.
Get stronger and this is THE sleeper in the draft. Literally won’t be able to be stopped once he adds strength. https://t.co/7bR2tpfauB
— Billy (@snacks) April 27, 2019
7. Isaiah Johnson CB Houston
Johnson is a typical late Al Davis pick and some experts even thought he could have gone earlier in the draft. His tape shows that he looks the part, but will still have a lot to learn at the next level to turn into a reliable NFL corner. Look for Johnson to play on special teams unless he can move his way up the depth chart swiftly.
8. Foster Moreau TE LSU
Moreau didn’t do much production wise at LSU. He’s the type of tight end that Gruden covets though. A strong combine performance got him some real attention and he’ll probably be used primarily as a blocker and snag a pass every now and then-just like former Raiders tight end Lee Smith did.
9. Quinton Bell Edge Prairie View A&M
A rare prospect who switched from a wide receiver is something that simply never happens. After the move to defensive end, Bell showed immense promise in just one season that is definitely worth taking a flyer on in the seventh round. He’s a long shot to make the team, but if head coach Jon Gruden allows him to grow, maybe Bell can develop into something.
Te’von Coney is a undrafted free agent who appears to be a steal at the linebacker position. He’s undersized, but made quite the impact during his tenure in South Bend. Wide receiver Keelan Doss can contribute and it would be wise to feature the young man heavily in the preseason as he was at UC Davis.
Not only did Mayock and Gruden nail the draft, @raiders got 3 undrafted rookies that should make 53-man roster: Wisconsin FB Alec Ingold, Notre Dame LB Te’Von Coney, and UC-Davis WR Keelan Doss. One of many benefits to coaching the @seniorbowl is it sure helps recruiting UDFA. pic.twitter.com/YpIYroR1Mn
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) April 29, 2019
Raider Nation is on cloud nine after the draft and if you follow the game closely, it’s very easily to see why.
Ramble On, Raider Nation.