2019 NFL mock draft: Battle for the top prospects
17. New York Giants
Brooks’ Pick: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State
There are two players in this draft that, if they had an extra 10-15 pounds on them, they’d be sure-fire top-10 picks. Those two players? You guessed them — Brian Burns & Ed Oliver.
In his three seasons at Florida State, Burns amounted 23.0 sacks, including 9.5 in just 8 games as a Freshman.
Does he have room to work against the run? Absolutely. But a great addition to any roster in the NFL based solely off his ability to get to the quarterback.
(P.S. Congrats Dave Gettleman, you turned OBJ into Jabrill freakin’ Peppers and Brian Burns)
18. Minnesota Vikings
Brooks’ Pick: Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma
According to football outsiders, the Minnesota Vikings were ranked 23rd in offensive line play last season. This takes into account there below average job protecting Kirk Cousins (40 sacks allowed) & their abysmal job running the football.
In fact, the Minnesota Vikings were stuffed on run plays (run plays where the ball carrier is tackled at or behind the line of scrimmage) on 21.5% of the time last season.
Long story short — go get a guy that can move people and keep your QB clean.
19. Tennesee Titans
Mello’s Pick: AJ Brown, WR, Ole Miss
Go ahead and check, we will wait. Yes, that is right, DK Metcalf is still on the board. Mello just likes AJ Brown that much.
Five to 10 years ago taking a receiver that spends the bulk of his time in the slot would be considered blasphemous. However, in today’s game, the slot receiver can make a drastic impact .
Especially one as gifted with the ball after the catch as AJ Brown.
Most receivers in the NFL can catch the ball, but not all receivers are playmakers afterward. This is guy looks like a running back playing wideout in all the right ways.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Mello’s Pick: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
This cornerback class has taken an absolute beating throughout this draft process, and this mock draft shows it, with the first corner coming off the board at pick #20.
They have all fallen for their own reasons. Whether it’s Greedy’s lack of tackling on film, or DeAndre Baker & Byron Murphy not testing well. They’ve all seen a fall.
So, the Steelers get a player, who, if the draft would have been a few months ago, might not have been available this low.
21. Seattle Seahawks
Brooks’ Pick: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Is D.K. Metcalf going to be available at pick #21 come April 25th? Probably not, but this mock draft has two guys playing GM’s that aren’t particularly high on Metcalf. So, for that reason, he fell down to #21. And what a place to fall.
Tell me this: what is the one and only thing we know Metcalf can do? Run a vertical.
Who’s the best deep ball thrower in the league? Russell Wilson.
If the only thing, and I mean the only thing, D.K. Metcalf can do in the NFL is run really fast, Wilson will make it work.
22. Baltimore Ravens
Brooks’ Pick: Jefferey Simmons, DT, Mississippi St.
The Ravens are in desperate need of a pass rusher & wide receiver, but before you go crazy, realize that in this mock draft, there have already been six edge rushers drafted up to this point and Metcalf & Brown are gone as well.
So, it’s reasonable to assume the Ravens could take the best defender available here.
Without the knee injury that occurred during training & the off the field concern that dates back to high school, Simmons is a top-5 talent in this draft. Get him healthy and let him wreak havoc up front.
23. Houston Texans
Mello’s Pick: Garrett Bradbury, C, N.C. State
Despite beginning and ending every day with prayers to the powerful one for the wish that Bradbury falls to the Chiefs at pick 29, Mello gives the center out of N.C. State to the Houston Texans.
Considered hands down the best center in the draft, Bradbury might the readiest offensive line prospect in the draft, and for a team like the Texans, he can fill multiple holes across that line. It is crucial the Texans address the protection issues if they want to see their franchise QB succeed.
24. Oakland Raiders
Mello’s Pick: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
This is a prospect that’s film was lights out yet his testing numbers left a lot of room for question. Nonetheless, Byron Murphy is an NFL Caliber corner with elite coverage ability.
Does he lack top end speed and elite DB size? Absolutely, but he is an extremely fluid athlete with top-end ball skills.
This being the Raiders second of three picks here in the first round, they match Quinnen Williams with Byron Murphy with their first two picks in hopes of shoring up that porous defense from last season.