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2019 NFL Mock Draft: Jets have edge, Browns get defensive in two-round projection

By Randy Gurzi

LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 01: Josh Allen #41 of the Kentucky Wildcats plays against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Commonwealth Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 01: Josh Allen #41 of the Kentucky Wildcats plays against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Commonwealth Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 01: Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) during the Allstate Sugar Bowl between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers at the Mercede-Benz Superdome in New Orleans Louisiana, on January 1, 2018 (Photo by John Korduner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 01: Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) during the Allstate Sugar Bowl between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers at the Mercede-Benz Superdome in New Orleans Louisiana, on January 1, 2018 (Photo by John Korduner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

14. Atlanta Falcons: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

In 2017, the Atlanta Falcons added a big defensive tackle in Dontari Poe on a one-year deal. Bringing him on board was all about trying to shore up a weakness as the Falcons struggled with stopping the run. Poe played well but wasn’t retained as his salary was simply too much for them to give a long-term deal.

They again tried a band-aid approach this season with Terrell McClain, but he was unable to become a full-time starter. Now, they enter 2019 with even more questions at the position as they never found a solid No. 2 D-tackle and Grady Jarrett is about to hit free agency.

Even with their cap situation not being ideal, they should find a way to retain Jarrett — hopefully. If not, they absolutely have to find a replacement. If they do, adding another Clemson player next to Jarrett would be a great option — which is what happens here with Christian Wilkins.

One of the better tackles in the nation, Wilkins makes sense as he can play either interior position, and can do so at an incredibly high level. He’s a model of consistency for the Tigers who can stuff the run while also providing plenty of pressure up the middle in the passing game.

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