Oakland Raiders: Post-Combine 7-Round 2019 mock draft
A.J. Brown. player. 28. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. WR. Mississippi. 27
After shedding tears for missing out on N’Keal Harry, who went No. 22 overall to the Baltimore Ravens, A.J. Brown popped up as the best wide receiver on the board at No. 27.
Ole Miss wide receiver D.K. Metcalf lit up the combine and became the talk of the town in Indianapolis. He’s not going to be available this late in the first round. Let’s go back to collegiate production as the reason to take Brown in this spot.
Brown led Mississippi in receptions and yards in each of the last two seasons. The 6-0, 226-pound wide receiver plays with a muscular frame able to fight through contact but uses his quick feet to break off routes and escape defenders after the catch.
The San Diego Padres drafted Brown in the 19th round in June 2016. He’s played baseball as an outfielder, which speaks to his ability to track the football when it’s in the air. If you take a look at his collegiate tape, he uses vision and strong hands to snag his targets in traffic.
Quarterback Derek Carr would have a versatile receiver capable of challenging defensive backs downfield or sitting on shorter routes in head coach Jon Gruden’s offense.
We overlook wide receiver qualities such as active or violent hands, but Brown’s usage to fight through press coverage will force spectators to appreciate that part of his skill set. He brings a good blend of strength, quickness and technical ability to develop into a top-flight wideout in the NFL.