2019 NFL Mock Draft: Kinnan’s final first-round projection

In a trio of firsts, the Baltimore Ravens take the first wide receiver off of the board in the explosive D.K. Metcalf with the 22nd pick in the draft. This receiver class is not as deep or talented as once thought, as Metcalf and South Carolina’s Deebo Samuel receive this writer’s only first round grades.

Similar to Allen in Buffalo, the Ravens are also in need of receivers with large catch radii. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, as explosive as he is, does not possess the most daunting ability throwing the football. The 6-3 and 228-pound Metcalf fits the bill for the Ravens, who over-utilize tight ends, and gives them a massive target outside the numbers as well.

Metcalf caught the NFL world by storm at the combine, measuring in the upper 95th percentile in weight, wingspan and arm length, then proceeded to run an incredible 4.33-second 40-yard dash and hitting 27 reps on the bench press. He does drop here, however, as he tests in the just the third percentile with his 20 yard shuttle and in the second percentile in his 3-cone drill.

While Metcalf may be an incredible deep threat at the next level, his lack of agility is both staggering and concerning. If Metcalf cannot separate underneath or run crisp routes, then he will be forced to make tough plays on routine balls. However, given his ceiling, speed and catch radius, the Ravens give Jackson a new toy to throw to here.