5 post-camp cut candidates the Vikings should monitor in 2022
By Dean Jones
Clelin Ferrell – DE
Hopes could not have been much higher for Clelin Ferrell coming out of college. He was a dominant force rushing the passer at Clemson and the Las Vegas Raiders felt confident they’d found the next great stud when they took the defensive end at No. 4 overall in 2019.
Sadly for the player and the organization, this has not gone well. The lineman hasn’t made the necessary adjustments, been sluggish against the run, and has not hit the heights anticipated of someone with every physical attribute imaginable.
Talent will only get you so far. Ferrell’s work ethic has been questioned and with just eight sacks in three seasons, the Raiders might decide to end this experiment early when the time comes.
Much will depend on Ferrell’s health, which hindered his chances of impressing a new coaching staff in camp. But the Vikings wouldn’t be asking him to start in any case given the presence of Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith on the edge.
Perhaps a fresh start is what Ferrell needs at this stage of his career. Las Vegas didn’t pick up his fifth-year option, which is a telling sign that his status is far from certain next season.
Picking up Ferrell and allowing him to build confidence in a different environment – learning from Smith and Hunter along the way – could be all the player needs to galvanize his career.