Former First-Round Pick Back with the Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders have made a headline-grabbing move to reunite with a familiar face: former first-round pick Clelin Ferrell, who returns to the team on a one-year deal after spending two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Ferrell, selected No. 4 overall by the Raiders in the 2019 NFL Draft, was once hailed as a cornerstone of the team’s defensive line but left in free agency in 2022 after failing to live up to early expectations. His return comes at a critical time for the Raiders, who have struggled with pass-rush production and defensive line depth this season. Former First-Round Pick Back with the Las Vegas Raiders explores the story behind Ferrell’s homecoming, his fit in the current defense, and the hopes that this reunion will finally unlock his untapped potential.

Former First-Round Pick Back with the Las Vegas Raiders begins with a look back at Ferrell’s first stint in Las Vegas, which was marked by both promise and frustration. As a rookie, he showed flashes of dominance, recording 4.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 20 quarterback pressures while playing in all 16 games. Coaches praised his work ethic and technical skills, with then-defensive coordinator Paul Guenther calling him “a future star.” However, injuries and inconsistent play derailed his progress in subsequent seasons: a knee sprain sidelined him for three games in 2020, and he finished the year with just 2 sacks. By 2021, he had been moved to a rotational role, tallying 3 sacks in 14 games, and became expendable when the Raiders overhauled their defensive line in free agency. Ferrell’s departure was seen as a “what-if” story— a talented player who never quite found his rhythm in the Raiders’ system. “Clelin had all the tools, but things just didn’t click for him here the first time,” said Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler, who was not with the team during Ferrell’s initial tenure. “We believe this is a second chance for both him and us to get it right.”

Former First-Round Pick Back with the Las Vegas Raiders next delves into the circumstances that led to Ferrell’s return. The Raiders’ pass rush has been a major weakness this season, ranking 26th in the NFL with just 21 sacks through 12 games. Defensive end Maxx Crosby has carried much of the load (10 sacks), but the team has gotten little production from other edge rushers—backup Chandler Jones was released midseason, and rookie Tyree Wilson has just 1.5 sacks in limited snaps. Ferrell, who recorded 7 sacks and 15 quarterback pressures with the 49ers over the past two seasons, emerged as a low-risk, high-reward target after San Francisco declined to re-sign him. The Raiders’ defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who worked with Ferrell during his final season in Las Vegas, played a key role in the reunion. “I know what Clelin is capable of when he’s in the right system,” Graham said. “He’s a disciplined player who fits our gap-sound defense, and he can provide the depth we need to keep Maxx fresh. This isn’t just a signing—this is a strategic move to boost our pass rush down the stretch.”

Former First-Round Pick Back with the Las Vegas Raiders also explores Ferrell’s role in the current Raiders defense and his early impact. In his first two games back, he has been used as a rotational edge rusher, playing about 30% of defensive snaps and recording 1 sack, 3 tackles, and 2 quarterback pressures. His best performance came in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos, where he beat right tackle Mike McGlinchey twice to pressure quarterback Russell Wilson, including a third-down sack that forced a Broncos punt. Coaches have praised his improved technique—particularly his hand placement and ability to shed blocks—something Ferrell attributes to his time with the 49ers. “Playing in San Francisco taught me how to be more consistent,” Ferrell said after the Broncos game. “I learned from guys like Nick Bosa and Dee Ford, and I brought that knowledge back here. This defense feels like home, and I’m just trying to contribute any way I can.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, Ferrell’s early success has been a welcome surprise, providing a much-needed spark to a stagnant pass rush. While he’s not expected to start, his presence has allowed Crosby to play fewer snaps in blowout games, reducing the risk of injury for the team’s defensive leader.

Another layer of Former First-Round Pick Back with the Las Vegas Raiders is the reaction from fans and former teammates, who have embraced Ferrell’s return with cautious optimism. Longtime Raiders fans remember his rookie promise and are hopeful that this second stint will see him fulfill it, with many taking to social media to share messages of support. “Clelin deserves another shot here,” tweeted @RaidersNation2019. “He was thrown into a tough situation early, but he’s grown as a player. Let’s root for him!” Former teammates have also welcomed him back, with Crosby saying, “It’s great to have Clelin in the locker room again. He’s a good guy and a hard worker, and he’s already making us better in practice.” However, some fans remain skeptical, pointing to his past inconsistencies and the Raiders’ history of re-signing former players with mixed results. For the Las Vegas Raiders, managing these expectations will be key—Ferrell is not a silver bullet for the defense, but rather a depth piece who can contribute in specific situations. The team has emphasized that his role will remain limited unless he proves he can handle more responsibility, a approach that balances hope with realism.

Former First-Round Pick Back with the Las Vegas Raiders wraps up with the long-term implications of Ferrell’s return and what it means for the Raiders’ future. If he continues to play well, the team could consider offering him a longer contract in the offseason, potentially filling a void left by impending free agents like defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. For Ferrell, this reunion is more than just a job—it’s a chance to rewrite his legacy in Las Vegas, a place where he still has close ties to the community (he has volunteered with local youth football programs every offseason since being drafted). “This is where my NFL journey started, and I want to finish what I started here,” Ferrell said in a recent interview. “I’m not here to make excuses—I’m here to work, to help this team win, and to show everyone that I can be the player they thought I was when they drafted me.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, Ferrell’s return is a reminder that second chances can yield unexpected results. In a season where the team is fighting for a playoff spot, every contribution counts—and if Ferrell can provide even a fraction of the production he showed as a rookie, this reunion could go down as one of the smartest moves of the year. As the Raiders head into the final stretch of the season, all eyes will be on Ferrell, watching to see if this homecoming is the start of a redemption story.