Training camp is usually a time for optimism and good news. This is when we hear about who has taken the next step or who has dominated camp so far. However, there are always a player or two that have been a slight disappointment.
Who has that been for the Raiders this year? In a recent article by Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus, he named one “riser” and “faller” during training camp for every team.
The faller for the Raiders was none other than former No. 4 overall pick Clelin Ferrell, who has not been on the practice field in several weeks:
“The Raiders declined Ferrell’s fifth-year option before the season, and now he hasn’t practiced since July 27. Not a great start to Ferrell’s fourth NFL season under new leadership in Las Vegas.”
Ferrell has been surpassed by Malcolm Koonce on the depth chart and it’s unclear where he will even play in the base defense for the Raiders. For a player looking to jumpstart his career with a new coaching staff, Ferrell is off to a slow start in camp.
On a positive note, Nate Hobbs was named the biggest riser after holding his own against Davante Adams in practice. The Raiders will need Hobbs to build off his strong rookie season if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs.