After being let down more often than not in recent years, Oakland Raiders fans finally have something to cheer about. The team is 6-4 and fighting for a playoff spot in the AFC and while that is exciting, the real reason for optimism is the Raiders’ bright future.
Just days before the 2019 NFL Draft, a wave of concern enveloped the Raiders organization as head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock sent home all of their scouts. The strange move led many to turn their heads, but the dynamic duo was not done there. With the fourth overall pick in the draft, they selected Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell, a move that surprised just about everyone.
Nearly half a year later, and the league is still surprised by the Raiders, but now by their rookies’ enormous success. While Josh Jacobs clearly leads the way for the team offensively, the defensive rookies have broken out to become some of the most exciting young players in the league.
Rookie cornerback Trayvon Mullen feels that the entire Raiders rookie class shares a camaraderie that allows them to succeed, via Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Bay Area:
“The passion we have for the game, how much we love it, care about it,” Mullen said when describing the rookie class. “Also care about our teammates. Want to show them we are going to show up, do our best and give our all.”
Just last week Ferrell had an outstanding game, recording 2.5 sacks, one pass defensed and five solo tackles. This week, the wave of success spread to fellow rookies Maxx Crosby and Mullen. Crosby finished with four sacks and Mullen had the game-sealing interception to beat the Cincinnati Bengals at home.
Crosby and Mullen have become some of the most important players on the Raiders defense and will continue to be so going forward. Mullen was given the starting job after the team traded away Gareon Conley and Crosby has earned his way into the starting lineup thanks to his tenacity, which was evident against the Bengals.
Mullen attributed the pair’s success to a competitive bond they share:
“Me and Maxx got that little bond,” Mullen said after the game. “Almost every other play, I’m like, ‘Man, go get that sack. If you rush him, I’m going to get that pick. So, it be fun because we compete with each other.”
No matter who excels on a given night, the Raiders have been doing it as a team. Each week they seem to come together more as a unit and it has been showing up on the field. With plenty of young talent, the next few seasons should lead to something special.
