2019 NFL mock draft: Quarterbacks go early after trades

After moving back two slots in a trade with the New York Giants, the Oakland Raiders will go out and find an edge rusher. With Nick Bosa and Josh Allen going No. 1 and No. 2 respectively, the Raiders select a national champion in Clelin Ferrell, who is a perfect fit for defensive coordinator Paul Guenther’s 4-3 scheme.

During his time at Clemson, Ferrell proved himself to be one of the better pass rushers in college football, and had a dominant performance against Alabama offensive tackle Jonah Williams in the title game. Williams is considered the best offensive line prospect in this entire draft class, so that just shows you the kind of player Ferrell is at this point.

Since trading away Khalil Mack, the Raiders struggled mightily at getting after the quarterback, racking up only 13 sacks as a team. That cannot happen again in 2019, and with Arden Key going into his second year, adding a player like Ferrell would give the team two very good, very young edge rushers moving forward.

General manager Mike Mayock is in his first season on the job, and will be tasked with making sure the Raiders score big with their three first round picks this April. They traded away some exceptional talents in Mack and Amari Cooper to get these picks, and starting their draft with a player like Ferrell makes a lot of sense.