2019 NFL mock draft update: Wide receivers making strides
player. 26. . CB. Washington. Byron Murphy. 21
The Ravens’ defense remains one of the best kept secrets in the NFL, and they may have to look into ways to upgrade the weaponry around Lamar Jackson next offseason, but the redshirt sophomore cornerback out of Washington is too good to pass on here.
Murphy is capable of changing games all on his own, as he proved in Washington’s win over Utah in the Pac 12 Championship game.
22. player. 60. . OT. West Virginia. Yodny Cajuste
Cajuste has been one of the most consistent pass protectors in college football, helping pave the way for Will Grier’s Heisman campaign this season.
The Vikings need to make sure their star quarterback is upright as often as possible and able to spread the ball around to those high-priced weapons.
player. 55. . LB. Alabama. Mack Wilson. 23
Jon Bostic, Vince Williams, and LJ Fort are not bad players, but Mack Wilson is a difference-maker and a possible game-changer in the middle of whatever defense he lands with at the next level.
The Steelers would have to be counting their lucky stars to see him on the board this late in round one.
Rashan Gary. 24. player. 36. . DL. Michigan
The Seahawks have been surging in the second half of the 2018 season, and their defense is certainly part of the reason why.
Rashan Gary would be a very intriguing pickup to put alongside Jarran Reed with Frank Clark wreaking havoc from the edge.
Obviously this is a great value pick in the first round but the Seahawks would be getting an interior rusher who could have a major impact from day one.
player. 28. . WR. North Carolina State. Kelvin Harmon. 25
Trading Amari Cooper proved the Raiders’ ineptitude more than anything Cooper had done wrong. He’s got the Cowboys looking like one of the more balanced offenses in the NFL and the Raiders have to find someone to come in and bring that playmaking ability back to the offense.
Watching Ryan Finley, it’s impossible not to notice Kelvin Harmon. Harmon is a deep threat and can make impossible catches look routine.
player. 28. . DL. Auburn. Derrick Brown. 26
The Raiders have so many needs defensively, why not add a foundation piece right to the middle? They have a gem in Maurice Hurst, and with Josh Allen drafted earlier, they need to draft more space eaters to help those guys produce.
Brown can do that while also adding some playmaking ability of his own. He’s having a great year for Auburn in 2018.