Oakland Raiders: Top 3 players to watch in Week 1 against the Broncos
By Kyle Foster
1. Clelin Ferrell, DE
Clelin Ferrell was the Raiders’ fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft. So, it’s safe to say that they’re expecting and needing him to come into his own pretty quickly.
Given the fact that Ferrell had a nice college career at Clemson, the Raiders would like him to do the same in order to generate a pass rush. A pass rush wasn’t something that the Raiders had last season, which is why it’ll be key to generate one and gain pressure.
Most people would’ve thought that Antonio Brown would be in this spot. But with all of the drama surrounding the troubled, but talented superstar receiver, his inclusion just seems too obvious.
Ferrell is going to be a big key for the Raiders who will look to establish a strong defensive presence early on. After all, Ferrell was one of the best defensive ends in the NFL Draft so what better way to prove that then to go out and have a big night in your first NFL game?
The Clemson product will be especially key in stopping the Broncos rushing attack that features Phillip Lindsay.
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It always a lot easier to play defense when you make a team one dimensional, which is why Ferrell has to lead the Raiders defensive efforts to take away the Denver running attack.