Full 2019 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders and 49ers land defensive studs
By Justin Fried
5. player. 48. . Linebacker. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Devin White
The Buccaneers lost Kwon Alexander in free agency and are desperate for an off-ball linebacker to fill his role in the middle of the defense. Fortunately, the team will likely find themselves with the opportunity to select one of the better linebacker prospects to come out of the draft in recent years.
Devin White is the ideal prototype of a modern NFL linebacker. He is other-worldly athletic, is excellent in coverage, and is a menace defending the run in the middle of the field. The perfect fit for a Bucs team that needs a so-called field general on their defense.
Josh Allen. 6. player. 31. . Edge Rusher. New York Giants
The Giants could look to go quarterback here, but instead, they refuse to pass up on the opportunity to select one of the draft’s top defensive players. Josh Allen saw his stock skyrocket after a breakout 2018 campaign that saw him win multiple national awards and take home the SEC Defensive Player of the Year award.
Big Blue has a desperate need at edge rusher with last year’s third-round pick Lorenzo Carter and one-year-wonder Markus Golden serving as the only intriguing options. Allen would be an ideal fit in the Giants 3-4 front given his ability to not only rush the passer but drop back into coverage and defend the pass.
7. player. 52. . Offensive Tackle. Jacksonville Jaguars. Jawaan Taylor
The Nick Foles era in Jacksonville has begun and the Jaguars could give him some help by shoring up his offensive line. The team released veteran Jermey Parnell a little over a month ago leaving them without a viable starter at right tackle.
Coincidentally, Jawaan Taylor started all of last season at that position for the Florida Gators and could step in and be an immediate starter from Week 1. Left tackle Cam Robinson will return from a torn ACL that forced him to miss most of last season and could pair well with another young former SEC stud in Taylor.
Detroit Lions. T.J. Hockenson. 8. player. 50. . Tight End
The Lions could benefit from giving quarterback Matthew Stafford more targets to work with on offense and Iowa’s T.J. Hockenson might just be their best bet. Hockenson is the complete package as a tight end prospect with ample athleticism and receiving abilities to go along with very solid blocking traits.
Detroit signed former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James in free agency but the former 2015 fifth-round pick has never stood out as a true No. 1 tight end. While some might consider this a bit high for a tight end, the combination of skills and traits that he brings to the table justify the early selection.