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Assessing Washington Redskins First-Round Options: EDGE Clelin Ferrell

By Jacob Camenker

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers react against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers react against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 25: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 25: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Scouting Clelin Ferrell

When looking at the measurables and watching the tape, it’s easy to fall in love with Ferrell. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound man played end in Clemson’s 4-3 defense and did a lot to turn that squad into one of college football’s best.

Ferrell was one of the more accomplished edge rushers in college football over the course of the past few seasons. Ferrell has posted 20 total sacks in the past two years with a whopping 38 tackles for loss. Additionally, he has forced five fumbles in the past two years and did a lot to help his other talented teammates, like Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence, find opportunities to break into the backfield.

Ferrell has a good first step and solid athletic ability. He’s not quite as quick as he appeared to be during his junior year, but he still has good enough athleticism. He knows how to use strength and athleticism and will be a do-it-all player on the edge in any scheme, though his fit in the 4-3 is decidedly best.

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What stands out is Ferrell’s motor, strength, and technique. He constantly is able to force his way into the backfield using good hands and footwork and he never gives up on a play. He knows what he’s doing on the field, which is no surprise considering the excellent coaching he got from Brent Venables at Clemson.

Having a high football IQ while being a try-hard player will make Ferrell appeal to many teams. He may not always make game-changing athletic plays, but he will be a consistent, reliable edge rusher in the NFL. And for the price of a mid-first-round pick, that’s well worth it.

One of the only concerns with Ferrell is that he may not be a great fit for the 3-4 defense. He could certainly get by as a rush linebacker there, but if he is asked to cover, that may not go particularly well. Of course, a smart defensive coordinator wouldn’t put Ferrell into coverage often anyway, so that wouldn’t be a major concern. It’s just something to keep an eye on.

In terms of run defense, Ferrell is good, as his functional strength is good and he will generate power at the point of attack. He should have no trouble setting the edge and won’t rely on being a sack artist to generate all of his value.

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