Last year’s fourth overall pick, Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Clelin Ferrell, has been playing well recently. How does Raider Nation feel about the ex-Clemson Tiger at the moment?
Ferrell has been a polarizing figure among Raider Nation on social media since Day 1. Many fans felt that Raiders general manager Mike Mayock overreached with him at number four. Even more frustrating for observers is seeing the talent that was passed over for Ferell ever since. A player selected that high is expected to be a “franchise-type” player such as a prominent quarterback, a shutdown cornerback, or in this case, an elite pass rusher. Instead, Ferell has been a solid player with good spot performances, nowhere near the return the Raiders thought they were getting with this investment. Hence, why Raider Nation has been so captivated by this pick since last year.
Ferrell has been making strides lately, especially yesterday, after bulking up this past offseason. So to gauge how fans feel, we proposed the question to Raider Nation on Twitter. As always, our readers never disappoint.
How do you feel about Clelin Ferrell's performance yesterday #RaiderNation 🤔 share your thoughts âœï¸ðŸ‘‡ðŸ‘€
— RaiderRamble.comâ„¢ (@TheRaiderRamble) October 12, 2020
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Raiders Should Feel Optimistic About Ferrell
While pass rush is not his specialty he does so many things that we take for granted like blowing up screens, knocking down passes, playing all over the line. Keeping containment. Dude is a defiantly a cornerstone of this defense.
— Jeff Carpenter (@jcarp13) October 12, 2020
Doesn’t mean much unless we see it on a consistent basis. Also, I’m interesting in knowing whether this was on Ferrell, Marinelli, or (though I doubt it) on Guenther. I think we might be seeing the beginning of Marinelli taking over, maybe…
— Raider Ryu (@raider_ryu) October 12, 2020
He is going to get his sacks the same way that Maxx gets them, effort and tenacity. His best pass rush move is the bull rush. He needs a complimentary move to that. Overall good game.
— Dan Turner (@DanTurner42) October 12, 2020
Raiders fans made excellent points all around, Matt Holder of Expand The Boxscore also pointed out that Ferell recorded nine pressures yesterday. This was the highest of his career, his previous record was three. As Twitter user @jcarp13 added, Ferell does do a lot of things that fans might not see but he’s no doubt a cornerstone. The problem with Ferrell’s position is that sacks are the “sexy” stat and defensive ends are usually judged based on that.
Regardless, Raider Nation will continue to keep an eye on Ferrell as the season progresses. For now, coming off yesterday’s huge win, fans should celebrate Ferrell’s efforts and desire to keep getting better in spite of the critics.
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*Top Photo: Cary Edmondson/USA Today Sports