2019 NFL Mock Draft: How high will Kyler Murray go in projected first round?

With three first round picks, and four picks within the first 35 selections, what the Raiders choose to do will have a big bearing on how this draft goes. They’d likely be disappointed in this scenario with the draft’s top two pass rushers — Nick Bosa and Josh Allen — both being off the board. Their safety valve, Quinnen Williams, is also gone.

That puts Gruden in a tough position here, which could lead him to reaching a bit for the best available rusher. The number one priority for the Raiders this offseason will be upgrading the NFL’s worst pass rush.

The Raiders weren’t just bad at affecting the quarterback – they were the league’s worst by a country mile. Oakland finished 2018 with just 13 sacks – 17 less than the next worst team.

Clelin Ferrell fits a 4-3 scheme as a defensive end with his hand in the dirt – he’s probably not quick enough to be a stand-up edge rusher in the NFL, and he probably won’t ever lead the league in sacks, but he’s a productive player who improved his draft stock in the title game against Alabama.

Ferrell won the majority of his one-on-one matchups with Alabama left tackle Jonah Williams in the title game, who is considered the draft’s top offensive lineman.

Ferrell is a good rusher in his own right, putting up 11.5 sacks and 20 tackles-for-loss as a senior at Clemson. He’ll also be a big addition for a Raiders run defense that ranked 30th in the NFL against the run. Ferrell uses his power to set the edge and take away outside rush attempts.

If Gruden thinks this would be too much of a reach to grab Ferrell, then don’t be surprised if he seriously considers taking LSU cornerback Greedy Williams.