Oakland Raiders: Full first-round 2019 NFL mock draft 3.0
By Sanjit T.
16. Carolina Panthers T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
The Panthers drafted a wide receiver in the first round last year, and I believe it’s time they get Cam Newton a new tight end. Greg Olsen is 35-years old, and will probably retire in the next few seasons. Fill in T.J. Hockenson, who is a deadly run blocker and can help this team get back to its roots of running the ball.
17. New York Giants Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
The New York Giants have two first round picks, as they traded away Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns. They also have a massive need at defensive end after trading away Oliver Vernon. With the No. 17 overall pick, they should add Clelin Ferrell, who is one of the best defensive ends coming out this year. Last year Ferrell had 11.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss.
18. Minnesota Vikings Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
It’s time for this defense to get back to its 2017 form. The Vikings defensive play slipped a little bit last year. With Sheldon Richardson signing with the Browns, the Vikings can select the second best defensive linemen here to replace him.
Before his injury, Jeffery Simmons would’ve probably been the second defensive tackle taken. NFL.com has him as the second highest graded player in there pre-mock draft grades. He’s a big powerful defensive linemen, and would fit very well in the middle of that defense, once he is able to get back on the field.
19. Tennessee Titans, Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College
The Titans went out and signed edge rusher Cameron Wake to a 3yr/$23 million contract, which might be their best signing of this offseason. Pass rusher and Interior offensive were a huge need for this team coming into the offseason. With Wake signed, they can focus on the offensive line. Fill in Chris Lindstrom, his tape against Clemson was very impressive, as he laid a ton of punishing blocks.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss
The Pittsburgh Steelers just traded Antonio Brown to the Oakland Raiders for two draft picks. Although JuJu Smith-Schuster is one of the best young wide receivers, he will need help as defenses will now start to bracket him. If anyone can help this Steelers offense, it’s wide receiver A.J. Brown. He could be the best rookie wide receiver in the NFL next season, as his route running is superb compared to all other wide receivers in this class.