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2019 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: 3 QBs go in the top 10, Redskins land defensive stud

By Jacob Camenker

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators gets past Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter of the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators gets past Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter of the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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STARKVILLE, MS – OCTOBER 21: Stephen Johnson #15 of the Kentucky Wildcats throws a pass as Jeffery Simmons #94 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs tries to defend during the first half of an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS – OCTOBER 21: Stephen Johnson #15 of the Kentucky Wildcats throws a pass as Jeffery Simmons #94 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs tries to defend during the first half of an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /

player. 48. . Defensive Lineman. Mississippi State. Jeffery Simmons. 5

On paper, defensive tackle may not seem like a major need for the Bucs, as they just drafted Vita Vea in the first round last year and they have Gerald McCoy on the roster as well. However, the team could decide to part ways with McCoy and if they do, they would have a big hole at the position.

Luckily for the Bucs, this is a loaded defensive line class, and Jeffery Simmons is arguably the best player on the board. Simmons has been a versatile force at Mississippi State and in the last two seasons, he has combined for 30 tackles for loss. Considering that he plays in the SEC, that’s very impressive.

Also impressive is the fact that Simmons already has a 6-foot-4, 300-pound frame. That will give him the size and strength needed to make an immediate impact at the next level. Plus, he has solid quickness too, so his pass rushing skills should translate (seven sacks in the past two seasons).

Playing him next to Vea will make it very hard for opponents to run the ball against the Bucs. Having two stout, big-bodied guys would make a major difference for the defense. So, if McCoy is gone, this would be a sensible pick, even if it means spending back-to-back first-round picks on defensive tackles.

If the Bucs keep McCoy, they will probably opt to address either offensive tackle, the pass rush, or cornerback here. Jawaan Taylor (Florida) and Jonah Williams (Alabama) would probably make the most sense here as they are two of the top offensive tackle prospects in this class.

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