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2019 NFL Mock Draft: Dexter Lawrence continues to rise

By Rucker Haringey

CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 2: Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers #90 celebrates a tackle against the Kent State Golden Flashes on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 2: Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers #90 celebrates a tackle against the Kent State Golden Flashes on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images) /
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CLEMSON, SC – SEPTEMBER 15: Clelin Ferrell (99) defensive end Clemson University Tigers reacts after making a sack during action between Georgia Southern and Clemson on September 15, 2018, at Clemson Memorial Stadium in Clemson S.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC – SEPTEMBER 15: Clelin Ferrell (99) defensive end Clemson University Tigers reacts after making a sack during action between Georgia Southern and Clemson on September 15, 2018, at Clemson Memorial Stadium in Clemson S.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Defensive End. Clemson. Clelin Ferrell. 6. player. 28.

We’re not sure if you’ve heard, but Jon Gruden believes the Raiders need to acquire more pass rushing. Thanks to the Khalil Mack trade he’s going to have several opportunities April’s draft to add to that part of his defense.

Ferrell isn’t going to make anyone forget about Mack, but he’s a pretty good player in his own right. He doesn’t have the massive upside of his teammate Lawrence, but he’s a better defensive lineman right now. That means he’ll be able to give the Raiders defense an immediate boost.

He’s a classic edge rusher. Ferrell may struggle at times to set the edge against the run, but he’s a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles. He doesn’t have Bosa’s technique or polish, but he can really bend when he’s coming off the edge. Ferrell has the explosive type of athleticism that teams really covet.

The Raiders can’t afford to try to get cute with this draft. They traded a generational pass rusher away in the prime of his career. They have to find replacements in this draft if they want to put their defense in a position to be competitive again in 2019. Ferrell would be a great fit for Gruden’s scheme.

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