2019 NFL Draft: Predicting sack totals for first-round rookie edge rushers

Clelin Ferrell, Oakland Raiders: 4th pick of 2019 NFL Draft

Outside of Daniel Jones, Clelin Ferrell going fourth to the Oakland Raiders was probably the biggest surprise of the 2019 NFL Draft. That being said, it’s hard to make an argument against why Ferrell shouldn’t have been the pick.

He was highly productive at Clemson, he has the prototypical size for a 4-3 defensive end, doesn’t have any notable weaknesses in his all-around game and was apparently one of the better interviews throughout the draft process.

These are all reason to believe Ferrell will have a productive rookie season, despite not having a ton of help on that Raiders defensive front.

The Raiders were historically bad at getting after the quarterback in 2018, so expect them to really lean on Ferrell this season and for him to answer the bell and produce early.

Sack Prediction: 10

Josh Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars: 7th pick of 2019 NFL Draft

Many believed Josh Allen would be the second pass rusher chosen after Bosa and some even had him as their top player at the position. He ended up slipping just a little bit to the seventh overall pick and fell right into the eager laps of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Allen joining that defense is almost unfair and he will come in without a ton of pressure on him to be the guy right away. With the duo of Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue (barring his contract holdout) leading the charge, Allen will be able to be used as a rotational piece in his rookie season, which may lead to his numbers not being too gaudy in year one.

That being said, expect Allen to make the most of the opportunities he’s given and put together an impactful season in 2019.

Sack Prediction: 8