Player rankings and projections change drastically the closer you get to the draft. This time last year, Clelin Ferrell was considered by most to be the best EDGE prospect in the entire draft.

By the time the draft came around, he was projected to go in the mid-late first and the NFL world was shocked when he was selected #4.

Some players that will be available in the 3rd may be sure fire first rounders come draft day. Some of the QB’s like Jordan Love may very well go in the 1st despite being projected in the 3rd currently.

I say this to illustrate how this mock may be unrealistic since it is based on incomplete player rankings since we still have ways-to-go until the draft.

Anyways, this was done using TheDraftNetwork’s Mock Simulator, so there is no trades.

With that being said, let’s get right into it.

R1 P12: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

6’0 200 LBS Grade: Not yet graded

Explanation

Really solid man coverage corner. Can mirror receivers with the best of them. May lack great length and size but is the best all-around corner in the draft in my opinion.

I could of went Ruggs III here but noticed how low The Draft Network has Tee Higgins ranked so I went with who I think is the overall better player.

R1 P19: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

6’4 215 LBS Grade: Not yet graded

Explanation

Laviska Shenault was available but I haven’t watched his tape yet so I decided to take Higgins who I have watched.

Higgins is a big and lengthy receiver who you could argue has the best catch radius in the 2019 draft. He can make catches in traffic and excels in adjusting his body to the ball meaning he doesn’t have to get separation to make the catch (though he does have the speed to get open as well).

Highlights don’t mean much but if you don’t want to watch long videos of tape, his highlights do show the type of tough catches he can make. Kind of reminds me a little of Crabtree in college, at least in that regard.

Higgins is the perfect type of receiver for Derek Carr in my opinion, as he loves (or at least used to) those back shoulder throws. That is assuming he is the starting QB next year.

R3 P80: Troy Dye, LB, Oregon

6’4 245 LBS Grade: 6.70 (grading scale)

Explanation

Troy Dye may not the best against the run, but he is the prototypical backside run and chase linebacker.

His athleticism allows him to cover tight ends, running backs, as well as some receivers. He should only get better in that regard through development.

While he may struggle against the run at first, it is due to his lack of strength which is why he is struggles at the point of attack.

Dye does have good instincts for a linebacker though, and his read & react is solid.

The Raiders need a linebacker who can cover more than anything and Dye should immediately remedy that problem at least to a large degree.

Scouting Report

R3 P81: Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State

6’3 240 LBS Grade: 6.49 (grading scale)

Explanation

I decided to double down on LB’s in the 3rd. Where Dye struggles, Harrison is proficient.

Harrison has a strong upper body and can shed blocks unlike any of the other top LB prospects in this draft. Physical player who can make violent hits.

While he doesn’t excel in coverage, he wasn’t a liability in it either, and his athleticism gives him the potential to be good there with proper coaching.

All of the top LB prospects project best as WILL backers, Harrison can man the middle or strong side. We need 3 starting linebackers, not just one.

Scouting Report

R3 P90: Zach Moss, RB, Utah

5’10 220 LBS Grade: Not yet graded

Explanation

I debated on whether or not to select Moss or Harris, but decided to go with Moss as I see him as an all-around better runner.

Harris fits better as a backup and would be perfect for the Riders since they do not have a power back. But with Jacobs injury concerns, I’d rather have a guy who could fill in as a starter more effectively, and Moss can also be a bruiser like Harris anyways, he is just quicker and has more big-play ability in my opinion.

I was hoping for Anthony Gordon, QB from Washington State, but he was taken by the Titans a few picks before me.

R4 P11: Shane Lemieux, IOL, Oregon

6’4 316 LBS Grade: Not yet Graded

Explanation

Lemiux excels in downhill power blocking, and while we mainly run a zone scheme, Cable did throw in a lot more power blocking in this year so it’s not like this makes him not a fit.

Strong upper body, but needs to work on his flexibility and short area quickness.

He lasted until the 5th round, so of course he has problems, but he would be a nice value here.

R7 P203: Joe Gaziano, DE, Northwestern

6’4 275 LBS Grade: Not yet graded

Explanation

Outstanding production in his 4 years starting for Northwestern.

Strong at the point of attack with the ability to hold the edge. While he posted good sack numbers in college he will probably be more of a run-stuffer in the NFL, but in the 7th round you can’t expect world beaters and I think he would be a great value here.

A lot better than Quinton Bell who nobody had a problem with taking last year as Gaziano is the opposite of raw.