The Oakland Raiders addressed their need at defensive end in this most recent NFL draft.
Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby, who are two of the newest defensive newcomers, are expected to quickly improve the Raiders’ defensive line and make an impact for the Silver and Black this season. They will join a plethora of talented youngsters such as P.J. Hall, Maurice Hurst, and despite a disappointing off-season, defensive end Arden Key. The talent is there on paper, but after all the new additions and the strides second-year players are supposed to make, how improved is this unit post-draft?
Raiders Improved Tremendously at DE
Pro Football Focus recently shared on Twitter some insight into the Raiders defensive line and how it looks to be one of the most improved units after the draft.
#Raiders edge defenders are among our list of the most improved units after the 2019 NFL Draft 🔽https://t.co/JYOjxgFDVK pic.twitter.com/cAPmsPTxfH
— PFF Las Vegas Raiders (@PFF_Raiders) May 8, 2019
Crosby alone comes in with a total grade of 88.2 out of Eastern Michigan with an impressive 56 quarterback pressures. The level of competition he’s going to face in the NFL will increase exponentially, but Crosby’s skill set should translate well from college to the pros.
Ferrell should also have an instant impact as his a 22.6% pass rush win rate ranked seventh among all draft eligible edge defenders in 2018.
It’s easy to see why Oakland’s general manager Mike Mayock drafted Ferrell and Crosby and why Pro Football Focus ranked the Raiders defensive line as the most improved unit. It’s still early to crown them, but the talent is there.
Can’t wait for the season to start.
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