Many Oakland Raiders fans were disappointed with the pick of Clelin Ferrell at number four, but I for one am happy with the move and here’s why.
Clelin Ferrell was one of my top choices at defensive end. Earlier in the draft process, he was a guy that I wanted the Raiders to take at number four. Eventually, mock drafts had Ferrell further back in the first round, so I no longer pushed for Ferrell at four because it appeared he could be had for better value.
But the draft rarely falls exactly how you expect and my expectations that Ferrell might be around later were based solely on the mock drafts of media members. And as we have seen year in and year out, those mock drafts are incredibly inaccurate. And the big boards media members share almost never match up with big boards teams appear to have. There hasn’t been a draft I’ve watched where I didn’t see a TON of guys who went far earlier or far later than the media had slotted them. It’s just part of the draft.
Because of that, I believe many people put far too much emphasis on whether a team “reached” for a player. The fact of the matter is, unless there is a reach of epic proportions (like drafting Mike Mitchell in the second round) the whole concept of a reach is based on the flawed idea that the media is super accurate with their mock drafts and big boards, which evidence has shown is just flat out untrue.
And it’s also worth noting that while Mike Mitchell was absolutely a “reach” worth being discussed, he also turned out ot be a pretty darn good player.
So did the Raiders reach for Ferrell? According to the media, yeah. But we will never know if another team would’ve taken him sooner than mock drafts expected had the Raiders not.
And once you get past the question of whether or not the Raiders reached, you will find a player who is a great fit for what the Raiders need. A three down end who is an impact player in both the run game and the passing game. A guy who is of high character and has the work ethic you want from a high pick. A guy who could end up being a very good player for a very long time. And that’s the kind of player I want the Raiders to be adding in the draft.
So given the fact that he’s a good prospect, I’m very happy with the pick. I think he fills a huge need and will end up being a fan favorite in Oakland. I don’t really care that members of the media had Ferrell being taken later in the first round and neither should you.
Completely agree.
Would have been lovely to trade down for an extra pick or 2 but could have missed out on a good player, who is a great scheme fit and an outstanding person.
In Mayock we trust!
Well said! Fits the role that the Raiders were looking for and needed. Not a flashy player but a solid defensive player with a good background. I thought he had a great bowl game vs. Alabama. Trust the system!
I do like Ferrell as a player and a fit, I just don’t think he was worthy of a number 4 pick. He’s going to be a good, not great player. He’s going to get pressure and stop the run, but he doesn’t appear to be that one man wrecking ball d-lineman that’s going to be a perennial pro bowler. I feel like with all the turmoil of last year, Gruden and Mayock had to get that game changer on the D with this pick.
Man you took the words out of my mouth. I remember after the championship game everyone had him rated in top 5. I also remember P Gunther saying he reminded him of G Atkins in Cincinnati. Some people said a better version. I remember talking with friends how much I wanted him. Fast forward three months and a combine later. We forget how good his tape is because of forty times etc… including myself. 100 mock drafts later and I thought he was just ok. I’m super excited over this pick. I had to be reminded it’s all about the tape and character that we are after. Very excited about this draft!!!!!