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5 bold predictions for Las Vegas Raiders in 2021

By Rucker Haringey

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Tight end Darren Waller #83 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Tight end Darren Waller #83 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Raiders bold predictions, Clelin Ferrell
HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 27: Clelin Ferrell #96 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after making a tackle during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Raiders 27-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

3. Clelin Ferrell will change positions

Taking Ferrell with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft is never going to look good for Gruden and the Raiders’ front office. They expected him to become a big-time sack artist and he hasn’t come close to delivering that kind of production.

In fairness to the former Clemson star, he did take a big step forward in overall effectiveness in 2020. His final season PFF grade of 76.1 accurately portrays him as an average starter on the defensive line. His work against the run powers much of that statistical effectiveness.

Gruden’s defense needs his edge guys to rush the passer. That’s not what Ferrell does well at this stage of his career. As such, the Raiders might try to shift Ferrell inside to boost his value. He’ll need to add weight to hold up as a tackle, but it could make him a much more effective pass rusher.

Ferrell isn’t going to develop into a star, but the Raiders need to do whatever they can to get the most value out of their former first round pick. Kicking him inside is worth a try. At the very least, that’s where Ferrell should be getting snaps on obvious passing downs.

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