How much Raiders history do these rookies know? More than you might imagine
The Oakland Raiders have won three Super Bowls and produced 26 Pro Football Hall of Famers in 59 years.
That’s a lot of history that 2019 first-round draft picks Clelin Ferrell, Josh Jacobs and Johnathan Abram and second-rounder Trayvon Mullen are familiar with.
“You know you have guys like Howie Long and I was blessed enough to be the recipient of the Ted Hendricks Award,” Ferrell said. “It’s truly a blessing to be a part of an organization with a legacy already so big and broad. They paved the way for someone like me to have the opportunity, and they were all about the right things, hard work, discipline, effort. You know, that’s what it’s all about – effort.”
Abram said Raiders coach Jon Gruden gave him No. 24 because of former Raiders star Charles Woodson.
“That number carries a lot of weight, you know?” Abram said. “Seeing the message that Charles Woodson put out about the shoes and the role I have to fill for the greats that played before me, you know like George Atkinson and Jack Tatum and himself. For Coach Gruden to give me that number, it’s some big shoes I have to fill. It’s a lot I have to do. It’s a lot of work that has to be put in – countless hours.”
Jacobs said he favored the Raiders’ “Bad Boy” era, and said he learned a lot about the franchise watching the 30 for 30 documentary ‘Straight Outta LA” by Ice Cube.
“When I see it I definitely think of rich culture, rich fan base and a legendary organization,” he said. “It’s like one of the cornerstone organizations of the NFL, so it’s definitely just an honor and blessing to be a part of it.”
Mullen said he did some homework. “There’s a lot of history, so I’m really excited to see where I fit in,” he said.
Ferrell said he was thinking about Raiders late owner Al Davis while in Alameda. He took a tour of the team headquarters and saw pictures, Super Bowl trophies and more.
“You think of Al Davis, ‘Just Win Baby!’” he said. “You got boss man (owner Mark Davis) back there now, John Madden, all these great guys. Not just players but great football people that came through this organization, and when I see this logo I just think of toughness, I think of effort, I think of people who aren’t afraid of the work and just want to do everything that it takes to get the job done.”
Raiders draft picks
(Rounds 4-7 on Saturday)
Round, Player
1 (4) DE Clelin Ferrell
1 (24) RB Josh Jacobs
1 (27) S Johnathan Abram
2 (40) CB Trayvon Mullen
4 (106)
4 (109)
5 (158)
7 (218)
This story was originally published April 26, 2019 at 9:22 PM with the headline "How much Raiders history do these rookies know? More than you might imagine."
