After the Raiders executed their draft plans, the team will begin the process of getting contracts done. Meanwhile, the media and press began to roll out their grading system and opinion pieces. Granted, we all do them. However, some critiques feel a bit mind-boggling. Here are a few and reactions to them.
Washington Post: C-
“This isn’t about whether the Raiders got good players. They did. It’s about whether they got the most out of their picks. They didn’t. Using the fourth choice on pass rusher Clelin Ferrell and the 27th on S Johnathan Abram meant they didn’t maximize the value of those picks. The Raiders’ roster is better than it was before the draft. But, it remains worse than it was before they traded Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper.”
The first makes sense. Many didn’t see the picks at those spots. However, the rest of the grade either doesn’t make sense or veers off course. Mike Mayock targeted Ferrell as his top edge rusher. How is that maximized? Then, the last sentence fails to give context. Antion Brown remains superior to Amari Cooper. While no one filled Mack’s shoes, the team does enjoy a better secondary and linebacking corps.
Sports Illustrated: C-
“And 99% of superstar defensive linemen have some sort of twitch, quickness or burst. Ferrell did not show a ton of that at Clemson, instead looking more like a “good at everything, great at nothing guy.”
Justin Smith didn’t possess anything but power, yet he worked hard to turn into an excellent pass rusher. Where Andy Benoit of SI fails is usually his ability to grasp nuance. Ferrell tallied 20-plus sacks and fifty TFL playing alongside other draftable talent. Under those circumstances, his production actually jumps out. Players that a just “ good everything” can work to evolve into greatness. From every draft analysis and media type that interviewed those around Ferrell says he will out-work teammates.
The Oakland Raiders rebuilt their roster over the last three months. Yet, for some media types, that will never satisfy them. If you look at the roster from a Week 1, you will see a definitely better team. Overall, many of these media outlets are judging from a distance and do not have the day-to-day connection to the team. When discussing the draft and personnel, familiarity helps. The Raiders, under Mayock and Gruden did what they thought was the best for their team. Now, we will wait and see how this pans out.
