Fans are getting antsy about top pick Ferrell
UP NEXT Raiders at Packers, Oct. 20, 10 a.m., CBS
ALAMEDA >> Much of the feedback for this week’s Raiders mailbag had to do with rookie defensive end Clelin Ferrell.
Ferrell didn’t play against the Chicago Bears because of concussion symptoms, but its expected back for the Raiders’ post-bye game on Oct. 20 against the Green Bay Packers.
In Week 1 against Denver, Ferrell had a sack and hasn’t had one since. The website Profootballfocus. com has Ferrell ranked No. 99 out of 102 edge rushers.
One reader opined that Ferrell was the fourth-best pass rusher. On the Raiders. Others wondered why he wasn’t doing more and too often played in a fourpoint stance which hurts his ability to fend off blockers with a free hand. (I’ll admit I hadn’t noticed).
Considering Ferrell was the No. 4 overall pick in the draft, he’ll be held to high standards by anyone who believes they are a draft expert.
General manager Mike Mayock said at the time of the draft the Raiders’ top two ends were Nick Bosa, who is currently tearing it up for the 49ers, and Ferrell. The vast draft instant evaluation community can’t believe the Raiders
passed up Josh Allen (No. 7 to Jacksonville) and Brian Burns (No. 16 to Carolina). Allen has three sacks in the last three games, Burns has 3 1/2 this season and 2 1/2 in the last three games.
It doesn’t help Ferrell that he’ll be thought of as the guy drafted to replace Khalil Mack. Ferrell isn’t Mack, but it’s worth remembering that four games into his NFL career, Mack didn’t have a sack. In fact, he didn’t get one until Week 11 against the Chargers.
Check back in a few weeks — or even a year — for a better evaluation. On to the questions: Seems like most of the draft picks are making an impact except our first pick, Ferrell, has been quiet. Any idea if the team is disappointed with the pick? Doesn’t send to pressure the QB. — Brett Robinson (email)
I think the Raiders believe Ferrell’s work ethic and attitude are such he will develop into a very good defense end. Not necessarily a quick-twitch pass rusher, but a good player. Was he too high at No. 4? The extremely early returns would suggest yes. I try not to pay attention to extremely early returns.
Will Gabe Jackson be back in time for Green Bay and how is Isaiah Crowell’s rehab going? Any chance he makes it back in 2020? I think he and Jacobs would be a good combination but Achilles is a tough injury. — @Michaelg37x
Early on in London, coach Jon Gruden hinted Jackson would be back. Now he’s hedging.
“We hope if it’s not this coming game, hopefully it’s the next,” Gruden said. A tossup at this point.
Do the Raiders re-up Karl Joseph? He’s having another solid year. 2: Do the Raiders extend Waller sooner rather than later? Do they vet him out a bit because of his previous sobriety issues? — @macomboys
Karl Joseph’s status will be determined by how he plays and what his agent thinks he can get on the open market. He’s playing a ton, having missed only two snaps in the last three games. And I like the idea of moving him closer to the line of scrimmage where he can be an explosive hitter. Gruden said of Waller Tuesday “I don’t know if there’s a better tight end in football, really.” There is really no vetting that needs to be done with Waller. The Raiders knew full well what they are getting, and player engagement had Waller connected with support before he learned his first play.
Do you think the Raiders are utilizing Lamarcus Joyner right? He seems to always get burned when playing corner. — Adams F (email)
I’d say `always’ is a stretch. He had a play against Chicago with near-perfect coverage on Anthony Miller, who outwrestled him for a 32-yard gain. Sounds like the plan is to change Daryl Worley’s role rather than Joyner’s. Joyner still represents the Raiders best potential as a playmaker in terms of coverage and tackling from his nickel position.
How likely is it that we trade for Stefon Diggs or AJ Green? — @Raiderace562
Looks like with the acquisitions of Davis and Zay Jones the Raiders aren’t looking to break the bank. Diggs is one year into a huge contract extension and already doesn’t like the way he’s used in the Vikings run-first offense. The Raiders also have a run-first offense. As for Green,31, he hasn’t been able to stay healthy. The Raiders would have to be convinced he’s the A.J. Green of old. And not an old A.J. Green.