Oakland Raiders: Checking out the too-early mock NFL Drafts for 2019
By Brad Weiss
Sporting News: Pick No. 21, Austin Bryant, DE, Clemson
We will start our look around the internet with the Sporting News, who has the Oakland Raiders picking after No. 20, which means they expect them to make the playoffs. With the pick, the Raiders grabbed Austin Bryant from Clemson, who could be a nice fit on the opposite side of Khalil Mack for the next five-to-ten seasons.
Bryant played as a true freshman at Clemson, but battled injuries in year No. 2, though he did help the Tigers win the National Championship. In 2017, he became a starter on arguably the best defensive line in the country, and should have his teammates back in the national title conversation this upcoming season.
Here is what Eric Galko of the Sporting News had to say about the pick:
"The Raiders started to retool their defense in the 2018 draft, an effort that likely will continue in 2019. Bryant could be a dynamic pairing with Khalil Mack."
My Take
Bruce Irvin will play opposite Mack this season, and he still has a lot left in the tank. Bryant would be a guy who could come in and learn from both Mack and Irvin, but would not be asked to start immediately in this defense.