After a somewhat disappointing first year, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell is working towards becoming a more complete player in 2020.
The Raiders are still waiting for a return on their investment
The Raiders selected Ferrell with the fourth overall pick of last year’s draft to become the team’s defensive anchor. Things didn’t play out that way and instead, teammate Maxx Crosby outplayed the Clemson product. Ferrell recorded 4.5 sack and 26 pressures while Crosby had 10 sacks and 45 pressures. Even though the Eastern Michigan product has work of his own to do, he definitely played better than Ferrell.
Knowing Ferrell had to play better in 2020, the sophomore defensive end hasn’t wasted much time. He has been working out throughout the offseason and doesn’t seem too focused on last year.
In his latest press conference, Ferrell talked about his vision and his goals for this year.
“I set goals for the offseason, I set goals for year. My goal for the year kind of drives me for the offseason, which is to always focus on win the Super Bowl. I feel like for us in order to do that, I have to be ready to do what is asked of me.”
He mentioned that he’s willing to do what the Raiders ask him to do. Gaining weight to play different positions is one of them. Also, he will take advantage of everything he learned last season.
“For me, it’s to be a cornerstone in this organization. I’m a guy that plays up and down the defensive line, I had to put on a lot of weight, gained a lot of knowledge through the offseason, just to be able to do that. Having the experience from last year, I feel like I’m ready to go.”
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Clelin Ferrell sounds level-headed and focused on the future
When talking to the press, Ferrell sounded relaxed yet focused. He doesn’t think of his rookie season in terms of success or failure. Rather, he saw it as a learning experience, one he took many things from.
“I feel like the biggest thing is just cutting it loose. Last year, kind of going through that process, learning about it. I feel like too much of me was thinking to much, trying to learn everything. It’s a learning curve.”
Moreover, Ferrell doesn’t seem concerned about what others think of him.
“Regardless of what people have to say, people don’t know what it takes to play, what was asked of me. Aside from that, I’m ready to go, anything that’s asked of me. I feel like I’m ready to do it and do it at a very high level.”
Ferrell knows what counts is the production he puts on the field.
“I feel like I’m going to bring a whole different aspect to our defense. Regardless of the fact I have a strong purpose on this team and on this defense. At the end of the day, talk is talk. I gotta go out and do it, so I’m ready to go out there, show my stuff, show my tricks, and have an impact for my team.”
The 2020 season is a month away from starting, and Ferrell is addressing it with a sense of urgency. He knows expectations around him are high and he has to deliver after a subpar 2019 rookie campaign.
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