49ers and Clelin Ferrell Agree to One Year Deal
Here's a major reclamation project.
The 49ers have agreed to sign former Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell to a one-year deal, according to reports. Ferrell was the fourth pick in the 2019 NFL Draft -- two picks after Nick Bosa. But while Bosa has recorded a whopping 43 sacks in his career, Ferrell has amassed just 10, which is why he was available.
Ferrell was a huge bust for the Raiders -- he essentially was their version of Solomon Thomas, whom the 49ers drafted with the third pick in 2017. But now Ferrell gets a change of scenery, plus an opportunity to work with 49ers outstanding defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, who jumpstarts careers for a living. Just ask Arden Key.
Unfortunately for Kocurek and the 49ers, Ferrell is a complete stiff as a push rusher -- Key had much more ability. I highly doubt the 49ers signed Ferrell to rush the quarterback. If they did, they're delusional.
It seems much more likely that the 49ers signed Ferrell to defend the run and replace Samson Ebukam as the starting base defensive end. Ebukam is a fabulous run defender, and the 49ers needed someone to replace him. That's what Ferrell will do, although he's not as good as Ebukam.
On passing downs, such as third down, Ferrell should not be on the field. Instead, second-year defensive end Drake Jackson should replace him. Jackson currently is a liability against the run, but he has all the tools to be a productive edge rusher, unlike Ferrell.
