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2019 NFL Mock Draft: Attacking and protecting young quarterbacks

By George Stockburger

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 05: Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass in the first quarter against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 5, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 05: Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass in the first quarter against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 5, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) /
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FORT WORTH, TX – DECEMBER 03: Justin Silmon #32 of the Kansas State Wildcats celebrates with Dalton Risner #71 of the Kansas State Wildcats, Reid Najvar #67 of the Kansas State Wildcats and Zach Reuter #15 of the Kansas State Wildcats after scoring a touchdown against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium on December 3, 2016 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TX – DECEMBER 03: Justin Silmon #32 of the Kansas State Wildcats celebrates with Dalton Risner #71 of the Kansas State Wildcats, Reid Najvar #67 of the Kansas State Wildcats and Zach Reuter #15 of the Kansas State Wildcats after scoring a touchdown against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium on December 3, 2016 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

15. player. 54. . OT. Kansas State. Dalton Risner

Philadelphia got back on track against the New York Giants, securing their first convincing win of the year after going down to the wire in their first two wins. Carson Wentz looks comfortable in and outside of the pocket and he’s finding Zach Ertz, Nelson Agholor, and Alshon Jeffery on a consistent basis.

What hasn’t been consistent for Philadelphia is the play of their offensive line. Their typically sure-handed right tackle Lane Johnson struggled early and last week it was revealed he is dealing with a high ankle sprain. It’s not a long-term concern for Johnson, but the opposite end of the offensive line is.

Jason Peters can’t stay healthy at this point in his Hall of Fame career. It feels like every week Peters is on the ground or limping to the sideline. The 36-year-old was coming off a torn ACL suffered midway through last season when he tore his bicep against New York. It’s likely he sits for a couple games before potentially returning, but his future beyond this year is in doubt.

Philadelphia has drafted Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Jordan Mailata, but neither can be relied on as long-term options at left tackle at this point of their careers. Mailata was a seventh round pick who had never played football before coming out of the Australian rugby circuit.

Dalton Risner plays with refined technique at tackle and he, like Johnson, could move to either side of the offensive line if needed. Philadelphia has been all about building around Wentz, and it’s time to upgrade the protection in front of him, especially coming off the torn ACL.

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