Oakland Raiders: Post-Combine 7-Round 2019 mock draft
DE. Clemson. 235. player. 28. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Austin Bryant
A safety or Terrill Hanks could conclude a solid draft for the Raiders, but somehow Austin Bryant remains available in the seventh round.
Perhaps the level up in competition becomes a difficult adjustment for (Oshane) Ximines or (Joe) Jackson isn’t able to bully his way to the quarterback. Bryant would be the third potential rookie contributor at edge-rusher in this group. He’s similar to Jackson in size (6-4, 271 pounds), but he’s more athletic with bend when in attack mode.
Bryant started his last two years at Clemson, logging at least 15 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks in each term. Although he’s fluid in his hips, Zierlein points out the lack of balance in approach. That explains why the senior defensive end may leave his feet or seem out of control at times.
Brentson could help Bryant shift his weight and improve the Clemson product’s leverage in the trenches. As for the Raiders, it doesn’t hurt to take a chance on a prospect with solid collegiate production as a starter with a championship pedigree.
It seems like an extreme measure to take three edge-rushers, but this defense logged the fewest sacks last year (13). Arden Key added one tally to that category. Back in Cincinnati, Guenther typically used a three-man rotation at defensive end. Between Key, Ximines, Jackson and Bryant, the Raiders can find an effective combination off the edge.
Next. 2019 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Combine two-round projection. dark
This group of defensive ends provides a mix of talents with strong seasons on the collegiate level and high potential. In case there’s disappointment among them, Williams (the No. 4 overall pick), Hall and Hurst could pick up the pass-rushing slack in the middle. Remember what Mayock said, quarterbacks hate pressure in that area, and the Raiders want to make Patrick Mahomes, Philip Rivers and Joe Flacco squirm in the pocket.