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2019 NFL Draft Mock 3.0: What if the Redskins traded back?

By Ian Cummings

GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 03: Drew Lock #3 of the Missouri Tigers smiles following a 38-17 victory over the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 03: Drew Lock #3 of the Missouri Tigers smiles following a 38-17 victory over the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 01: Josh Allen #41 of the Kentucky Wildcats get ready prior to the VRBO Citrus Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Camping World Stadium on January 1, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 01: Josh Allen #41 of the Kentucky Wildcats get ready prior to the VRBO Citrus Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Camping World Stadium on January 1, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

player. 28. . Defensive End. Kentucky. Josh Allen. 4

Jon Gruden famously stated that it was hard to find great edge rushers in the NFL, just days after trading All-Pro defensive end Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears. Gruden and the Raiders caught a lot of flak for that saga, but let’s be real: It was all part of the plan.

Now, in 2019, the Raiders have three first-round picks (or do they?), and they’re gearing up to restock their roster with top-tier talent. They first pick in the top five, and luckily for them, this NFL Draft class is packed to the brim with high-quality edge rushers. After Nick Bosa, Brian Burns and Josh Allen round out an exceptional positional top three. While Burns is the more refined prospect at this point, Allen is a bigger player, with a bigger name. Thus, he might be the apple of Gruden and Mayock’s collective eye.

Last year, Allen wasn’t a lock for the first round, but in 2018, the former Kentucky Wildcat drastically boosted his stock with a rejuvenatory campaign. In thirteen games as a starter, the senior outside linebacker logged 56 total tackles, 17.0 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss, and five forced fumbles.

At 6-foot-5, 260, Allen is a looming spectacle, and he can move very well for his size. He shows flashes of attention to detail with his technique, and while he’s raw, the Raiders need all the help they can get on the edge. Brian Burns might provide more immediate help, but Allen is an investment for Jon Gruden’s precious future. With any luck, it will pay off in earnest.

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