2019 NFL Draft winners: 10 teams that crushed it
By Joe Romano
Oakland Raiders
Draft Class: Clelin Ferrell, EDGE | Josh Jacobs, RB | Johnathan Abram, S | Trayvon Mullen, CB | Maxx Crosby, EDGE | Isaiah Johnson, CB | Foster Moreau, TE | Hunter Renfrow, WR | Quinton Bell, EDGE
New general manager Mike Mayock was running his first draft after covering it for years with the NFL Network. Mayock’s first selection of Ferrell turned some heads. Personally I see what he was getting at. Ferrell is a high-floor prospect who’s ceiling may not be the same as Josh Allen, Brian Burns or Montez Sweat but Ferrell’s character is terrific. Mayock took the risk that Ferrell may never be the player Allen, Burns or Sweat are but he’s got the skill set to be a disruptive player early in his career.
With his other two first-round picks Mayock again looked at character. Jacobs and Abram were considered the top at their position by most of the NFL world. Jacobs is an upgrade over Marshawn Lynch and Abram will be a tone setter for this defense regardless of where he plays.
As a whole this was a great class. Mullen and Johnson will see playing time opposite Gareon Conley as they both have starters traits and skills. Crosby is a great rotation piece with Ferrell and last year’s draft pick Arden Key. Moreau gives a safety blanket to Derek Carr and a great blocker for that run game that Jon Gruden is going to roll out. Even Renfrow will see time in the slot and should be a weapon in the passing attack with Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams on the outside.
Some may not have been a fan of these picks but this was a culture shifting draft in Oakland. None of these personalities will clash with Antonio Brown or Gruden and gives them ton of talent on the field. Mayock did a great job off the bat, regardless if the Ferrell pick was a reach in your eyes.