2019 NFL mock draft: Battle for the top prospects

25. Philadephia Eagles

Brooks’ Pick: Josh Jacobs, RB, Bama

Trading for Jordan Howard may deter some people from making this prediction here at #25 with the Eagles, but Eagles coach Doug Pederson has given us proof over the past three seasons that he prefers to have a running back by committee.

So, pair the powerful, downhill, two down back in Jordan Howard with everything he is not in Josh Jacobs. Jacobs is well versed in catching the ball out of the backfield and despite the 4.6 40-yard dash at his pro day, has shown the ability to hit the home run.

26. Indianapolis Colts

Brooks’ Pick: Nasir Adderly, S, Delaware

Nasir Adderly is the modern-day safety. This is a guy that can play all of the positions in the back end of any defense.

Meaning that if you wanted to bring an additional safety onto the field on third & longs and ask Adderly to play slot corner, he is more than capable.

The modern-day NFL Safety has to be a swiss army knife, and Adderly is most definitely that.

27. Oakland Raiders

Mello’s Pick: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

The less traditional option at tight end from Iowa is Noah Fant, but he’s extremely explosive, whether it’s the film of him torching Denzel Ward during his days at Ohio State or his 4.5 forty at the combine.

The one area of his game that causes everyone to throw dirt on his name has to be blocking, but I don’t think he get’s nearly enough credit for the effort in which he attacks blocks.

28. Los Angeles Chargers

Mello’s Pick: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

The Chargers are in desperate need of size and depth at the defensive tackle position. They played solid defense all year long until the playoffs game and they ran into the buzzsaw known as the New England Patriots who simply ran it down their throat for four quarters.

Christian Wilkins is a big bodied young man that will do more than hold his own as soon as he steps foot onto an NFL field.

29. Kansas City Chiefs

Brooks’s Pick: Jonathan Abrams, S, Mississippi State

Would it be nice for the Chiefs to take an edge rusher here at 29 with the loss of Justin Houston and Dee Ford? Most definitley, but unless they trade up to go get their guy, I think the value at this pick, for them, is located in another position.

For that reason Abrams just makes sense. Pair him with Tyrann Mathieu over the middle of your defense and Wide Receivers will think twice before catching the football.

30. Green Bay Packers

Brooks’ Pick: Chase Winovich

Could this be a reach? Absolutely. But all he did was have twice as many sacks and tackles for loss as his teammate Rashan Gary. All he did was run 4.59 at 256 lbs. All he did was go 4.11in the short shuttle! (Sorry for yelling but come one man. 4.11???)

Please stop using the “high motor” “good character” “efforter” cliches you’ve used for every other defensive end that looks like Winovich. The dudes a freakish athlete and earned a 1st round grade in my book.

31. Los Angeles Rams

Mello’s Pick: Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas St.

The Rams have very few holes, considering they made it to the Super Bowl last season. However, if you were to try and pick them out its clearly interior o-line help (with Left tackle soon to be an issue with Whitworth being 37) or help at Tight End.

But if you’ve watched McVay’s system, he doesn’t really value the TE. So for that reason, Dalton Risner, a guy that can play all five positions up front, and play them well, makes the most sense for the Rams here.

32. New England Patriots

Mello’s Pick: Taylor Rapp, S, Washington

Somehow it seems every year the Patriots are picking this low in the draft and somehow a stud falls to them. Well, this mock draft appears to be no different. Taylor Rapp is a top-15 caliber player on tape that tested like a 3rd round safety.

Well, guess who places more weight into game film than any other coach in the league? Guess who probably couldn’t even tell you what Rapp ran at his pro day? Bill Belichick. This one’s too easy.