Ian’s Final 2019 NFL Mock Draft: Fortune favors the bold?
By Ian Cummings
Picks 25-32
25. Philadelphia Eagles: WR Marquise Brown, Oklahoma. Nelson Agholor is reportedly on the trade block, which means Doug Pederson’s squad can add another big play threat with this pick. Imagine an Eagles offense with DeSean Jackson and Hollywood Brown. I sure don’t want to.
26. New England Patriots (via IND): TE Noah Fant, Iowa. The Patriots need to add another dynamic talent in this draft class, and with the Colts, they find a good trade partner to move up, and take Iowa’s Noah Fant as their next offensive chess piece.
27. Oakland Raiders: DE Clelin Ferrell, Clemson. Clelin Ferrell falls a little bit in this mock, since he’s not an edge rusher with tons of athletic talent. But he’s a solid, stable edge presence, which the Raiders will gladly take after having no such thing in 2018.
28. Los Angeles Chargers: CB Byron Murphy. Okay, Chargers, I see you. Byron Murphy’s an excellent value deal at this juncture, especially for a team that needs a cornerback with elite closing speed after losing Jason Verrett.
29. Seattle Seahawks: OT Jawaan Taylor, Florida. I’ll admit, this is less realistic than usual. But with his general lack of versatility, Taylor could slide a bit. If he does, Seattle will be happy to add a tackle of his stature, giving their line some depth and flexibility.
30. Green Bay Packers: OG Chris Lindstrom, Boston College. Matt LaFleur will need to smooth things over with Aaron Rodgers quickly after starting his time in Green Bay. One way to do that is giving the Packers the most reliable offensive guard prospect in the draft.
31. Los Angeles Rams: DL Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame. I thought about having the Rams trade back here, and they could get calls if a quarterback drops (or if someone really likes Will Grier). But for now, Les Snead chooses the safe route. He didn’t have a first or second-round pick last year. This year, he’s got to indulge himself, and pick Jerry Tillery, an interior rusher with good explosion.
32. Indianapolis Colts: DL Charles Omenihu, Texas. The Colts could use some more talent on the defensive line, despite improvements last season. Charles Omenihu is a ruthless interior player with clubs for arms and a looming 6-foot-6, 286-pound frame. With athletic upside, and an attacker mentality, Omenihu brings good value here.
Fasten your seatbelt. It’s gonna be a wild one.