2019 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Super Bowl 53 edition
By Randy Gurzi
17. Cleveland Browns: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
No team was able to change their fortunes through the draft quite like the Cleveland Browns did. With the No. 1 pick, they finally found their franchise quarterback in Baker Mayfield while also securing a couple of other starters. They went from a 0-16 team to a 7-8-1 franchise, and it may have been even better had they not kept Hue Jackson as the head coach for the first eight weeks.
Now, general manager John Dorsey is back at it as he looks to continue his impressive rebuild. With the No. 17 overall pick, he has a few ways to go with wide receiver, offensive tackle, and defensive tackle being the primary targets. The recent Senior Bowl showed them that the talent at wide receiver is deeper than expected, and they can wait for a player at this position.
As for offensive tackle, they’re looking to extend Greg Robinson, who played fairly well in the second half of the season. That means defensive tackle should be seen as the No. 1 spot needing to be addressed. They do that here by selecting Clemson’s Christian Wilkins.
The 300-pound Wilkins is capable of playing either tackle spot and can hold up well against both the run and pass. In the past two seasons, he’s recorded 111 tackles and 10.5 sacks showing that he’s developed into the exact kind of weapon the Browns need.