2019 NFL Mock Draft: Defensive line dominates as quarterbacks fall

By Randy Gurzi | Jan 14, 2019

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Quinnen Williams #92 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts against the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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TALLAHASSEE, FL – OCTOBER 27: Christian Wilkins #42 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates in the fourth quarter of the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Tallahassee, Florida. Clemson won 59-10. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

17. Cleveland Browns: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

New head coach Freddie Kitchens got the job with the Cleveland Browns thanks to what he did to turn around the offense during the second half of the 2018 season. While Gregg Williams was great for them as an interim head coach, it was the way Kitchens got the offense to take off that fueled their 5-3 record in the final eight games.

With Kitchens now in charge of the team, there’s a chance they could consider another offensive player here to help them get even better on that end. If they did, wide receiver or offensive tackle would be the most likely way to go. However, they have just as big of a need at the defensive tackle spot and with this class so loaded, they could fill that hole and let Kitchens continue to work his magic with the same core he had in 2018.

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That’s the route they end up taking as Christian Wilkins is simply too good to pass up at this spot. We already know what Kitchens can do with this offense, and if he has a defense that can perform at a higher level, they could finally get their first winning season since 2007.

Wilkins could be the type of player to push that defense over the top. He’s effective at either defensive tackle position and can hold up against the run and pass. Lining him up with Larry Ogunjobi inside suddenly makes this position look like one of the better groups in the NFL.

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