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2019 NFL Mock Draft, Week 13: Jets land Nick Bosa, Raiders score big

By Randy Gurzi

STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 29: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators celebrates a sack during the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 29: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators celebrates a sack during the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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CLEMSON, SC – NOVEMBER 24: Christian Wilkins #42 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after scoring a touchdown during their game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC – NOVEMBER 24: Christian Wilkins #42 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after scoring a touchdown during their game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

9. Atlanta Falcons: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

The Atlanta Falcons have a hole on either side of the line of scrimmage to fill. Their offensive line isn’t bad, but the guards could use an upgrade. That would help a lot in their running game, but the offense isn’t the reason for their struggles this season. Instead, it’s been the defense that’s having problems.

While injuries to guys like linebacker Deion Jones and safety Keanu Neal have been difficult to deal with, their return to health will shore up a lot. Where they need help though is on the line. Grady Jarrett is a stud, but they could use another defensive tackle after trying Dontari Poe and Terrell McClain the past couple of seasons.

Here they solidify the spot long-term with Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. He’s capable of playing either the three or five technique and is very disruptive at either spot. He was considered a first-round pick last season but decided to come back for his senior season — as did other members of the defense in an effort to make a title run.

Staying didn’t necessarily hurt or help his stock as he’s still going in Round 1. Here he slides into the top 10 as he fills a huge need for the Falcons.

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