On The Clock: 2019 RCF NFL Mock Draft

[blommen]

Or a fullback

 

[Ohio]

I'm sorry fellas I've been completely slammed at work lately.

Will make the pick in the next hour or two..

 

[Ohio]

With the 49th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select...

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S, Florida

​

The Cleveland Browns took until the final buzzer to make this pick. There was lots of debate in the draft room, but ultimately the production and versatility of CGJ was too much to pass up. This is a guy that not only played multiple positions in College, but played them at a high level:

​

Remember, the Browns did not want to trade Jabrill Peppers, who had a great 2018 season. CGJ is a guy that can be plugged into that role, and perhaps bring more to the table with his ball skills.

​

Player Bio

​

Heading into his junior season, Gardner-Johnson lengthened his last name from Gardner to honor Brian Johnson, or "Pops", who has been with his family since Chauncey was young. He played quite well with the new name, starting 11 of 13 games played and making 71 stops, nine for loss, three sacks, a team-high four interceptions and two pass breakups. As a sophomore, Gardner-Johnson started all 11 games for the Gators, posting 58 stops, six for loss, two interceptions and seven pass breakups. In 2016, Gardner-Johnson started as a reserve defensive back and special teams contributor (team-high eight of his 32 tackles that year on coverage units), but eventually started three times in 13 games played. He tied for the team lead with three interceptions, two of which came in the Outback Bowl. He was the game's MVP, becoming the first freshman to win that honor at Florida since Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith. Gardner-Johnson was a USA Today All-Florida selection as a high school senior at Cocoa High before going to Gainesville.

Overview

Big, athletic defensive back who requires tape study from 2017 and 2018 assess his optimal usage. Some teams will see him as a big slot defender who can blitz, support the run, handle zone duties or play man on big receivers and matchup tight ends. Others will see him as a Cover-1 high safety with the range and ball-tracking to take it away over the top. Gardner-Johnson is too often a step behind in his reads and reaction allowing completions that could be breakups. His versatility and talent could make him an early starter with a high-ceiling if he can put it all together.

Strengths

• Frame is long, tapered and well-built
• Smooth, athletic and agile
• Impressive versatility to play slot, high safety and down safety
• Eye-balance between his target and the quarterback
• Easy mirror transitions from slot
• Quality burst to close short and deep
• Adjusts angles effectively to play the ball
• 2017 tape shows high-safety range
• Talent and size to neutralize mismatch tight ends
• Above-average makeup speed
• No hesitancy as a striker
• Size and power to separate receivers from the ball
• Quick to trigger and support the run

Weaknesses

• Backpedal a little tight and upright
• Footwork can improve in space at safety
• Creates coverage holes with excessive drops from high-safety
• Gets over-extended and will lose balance in coverage
• May lack footwork and instincts to handle shifty slots
• Over-committed and cross-faced by Georgia twice
• Caught by bait-and-bite fakes underneath
• On-ball production doesn't match the traits
• Relies on athleticism over anticipation
• Just a step late to jump the throw and challenge the catch
• Troubling missed tackle total over last two years

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/chauncey-gardner-johnson?id=32194741-5221-1068-8e9a-b4c139418bfd

Apologies again for the wait. @BimboColesHair and the Vikings are on the clock!

 

[AZ_]

Guy knew how to build the suspense.

 

[BimboColesHair]

With the 50th pick of the 2019 NFL Draft the Minnesota Vikings select:

Charles Omenihu, DL, Texas

Why: There was already some talk of Everson Griffen becoming a cap casualty this offseason after a weird 2018 season for him, and Sheldon Richardson walked in free agency. There is an obvious need up front defensively for Minnesota. The Vikings have consistently focused on their defensive backfield early in drafts, but it’s time they beef up their front 4. Omenihu can rotate in on obvious passing downs as a 4th rusher to replace Linval Joseph early on.

Strengths: Ideal NFL frame with the athleticism and flexibility to play with good leverage. Outstanding length and uses it to his advantage, able to keep blockers at bay and consistently shed with proper hand usage. Ability to get off blocks used to be an effective run defender. Can generate interior pressure by shooting gaps with leverage. Already possesses a solid swim move.

Weaknesses: Will give half a step at the line of scrimmage if it means he’s able to read the backfield. Can occasionally have trouble picking up the play. Lacks awareness in multiple areas, picking up screen passes and taking the path of least resistance too often rather than fighting pressure with pressure. Seemingly has durability issues and can get blown off the ball near the end of drives.

NFL Comparison: Charles Johnson

@thedarkness2332 and the Tennessee Titans are on the clock

 

[dark2332]

Welcome to the 2019 Draft, Tennessee Titans.

As you know, our 2019 first round pick was part of a massive quarterback upgrade featuring this piece of man meat.

Combined with the NFL's #3 Scoring Defense and #8 Total Defense, the Tennessee Titans are making a play for the division. Stafford now has a stout offensive line with outstanding tackles, a running game, and young weapons. Rodger Saffold was brought in to shore up the interior offensive line play. Life for Stafford is going to be much simpler than it has been in his career to date--including ample play-action opportunities. His best football is ahead of him with this roster.

With the 51st pick in the 2019 RCF NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select:

Irv Smith Jr., Tight End, University of Alabama




Why? Well, we're adding weapons to this stagnant offense. The defense carried this team to a 9-7 record in 2018, and it's time to move the football. With Matt Stafford, a running game, and weapons--the AFC South is Tennessee's for the taking.

Delanie Walker's injury last year really crippled this offense. New Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, is the former Tight End's coach, and he knows how to properly use his TE room in the passing game and power running game. Walker is 34 years old and coming off a major injury--this is likely his last season in Tennessee and many speculated he'd even retire this season. He has ousted those retirement rumors publicly, but even still, he's likely a roster casualty next season given his cap number. Jonnu Smith has been a replacement level player so far in his young career and showed last season that he is not ready for the feature role.

Here, Tennessee adds Irv Smith Jr., who is an adept route runner, possesses great hands, and is a strong blocker. In fact, there's so much talk of the Iowa tight ends, people seem to forget that Smith Jr. is one of the best and most productive TE's in this draft. He can do it all, people. He's right there with Hockenson and Fant--I personally prefer him to Fant as an all-around tight end prospect. He is ready to contribute immediately, and he's the heir-apparent in a Titans offense that features its tight ends. Combine that with a brand new franchise signal-caller and we have something brewin' in Nashville.

Summary from NFL.com -- Smith is the son of former NFL tight end, who played at Notre Dame before entering the NFL as a first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 1993. He was a Class 5A honorable mention All-Louisiana pick out of New Orleans' Brother Martin High School before signing with the Tide as a four-star recruit and top 10 tight end prospect nationally. Smith played as a reserve tight end as a true freshman in 2016, but did not catch any passes in nine games. He had more of a role in Alabama's title-winning 2017 season, starting 4 of 14 games played and catching 14 throws for 128 yards (9.1 average) and three scores. Smith garnered second-team All-SEC honors for his play as a junior, catching 44 passes for 710 yards (16.1 average) and seven touchdowns for the national runner-ups.

Expert Take from TDN's Joe Marino

Routes - Accelerates quickly into his route stem but also flows with good pace. Can quickly get over top of linebackers and generates good vertical push in his release despite lacking a true second gear. Adjusts well to find space and attack leverage. Invites contact at the top of his routes, sometimes to a fault. Can require too many steps to slow down and work into his breaks.

Hands - Showcases soft and reliable hands while greeting the football with the proper techniques. Has show the ability to extend and secure the football firmly away from his frame. Naturally hauls the ball in over his shoulder.

Ball Skills - Was never truly tasked in 50/50 ball situations and generally makes plays with good separation and not in contested situations. Does well to track the football and adjust to its course, particularly with his back to the line of scrimmage. Never looks uncomfortable catching the football.

YAC Ability - Blend of play strength, competitive toughness and elusiveness makes him effective when creating after the catch. Rarely goes down on first contact and battles for additional yardage. Doesn't have the burst to truly break pursuit angles but he has the speed needed to pick up chunks of yards.

Play Speed - Has the movement skills needed to work the seam and be a factor after the catch. Accelerates quickly but doesn't have a true second gear at the top of routes or to simply run away from people. Smooth mover in space. Good foot quickness helps him reach landmarks as a move blocker.

Play Strength - Holds his own exchanging power with defensive ends in the trenches. Plays with excellent leverage to maximize his play strength. Illustrates good contact balance and body control. Grip strength is excellent with the clamps are set. Breaks through contact as a runner, im the contact window as a route runner and at the top of routes.

In-line Blocking - Has dominant moments on tape turning out defensive ends and winning as a drive blocker. Does well to play with good leverage, fit his hands and accelerate his feet. Stays square, but also takes advantage of angles to eliminate his man from plays.

Space Blocking - Thrives lead blocking into gaps and on the move. Plays with excellent body control and takes good angles to connect with consistency. Does well to roll his hips through contact and create space. Reliable in short yardage and on the perimeter in bunch sets when a key block is required.

Versatility - Can do anything a team would need a tight end to do in terms of blocking and receiving as an in-line option, flexed or out of the backfield. Offers receiving upside at all levels of the field.

BEST TRAIT - Versatility

WORST TRAIT - Second Gear

RED FLAGS - None

Smith had an outstanding final season at Alabama, offering major contributions as both a blocker and a receiver. A versatile weapon, Smith is capable of filling any role asked from a tight end. Whether he's lined up in-line, flexed or out of the backfield, Smith has outstanding blocking ability with potent receiving upside. While he doesn't offer top end play speed, his quickness and technical refinement make him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. Smith has the ceiling of a high quality starter in the NFL that can lineup anywhere in the formation and make an impact.

..and from Kyle Crabbs:

Route Running -Really crafty getting off the LOS to stack jams. Shows good tempered pace to allow mesh and scissor concepts to allow defenders to get sucked out of position. Gets in the blind spot vs. off coverage well and loses safeties in man to man.

Hands - Shows good concentration over the shoulder and does well to see the football into his hands. That said, doesn't really offer a lot of flashes in the catch radius, but that's not to say he's incapable of catching when tested away from his numbers.

Versatility -Two-way player as a blocker and a receiver. Impressive blend of route running, run after catch skills, blocking from in-line and also on the perimeter. His skills flexed into the slot allow him to bust the seam or be effective in screen game to the boundary.

Contested Catch Ability -Not often tasked with playing through contact at the catch point. Like his concentration and has done well when tracking the football to adjust late and win body positioning, not one to telegraph his intention when tracking the football.

Run After Catch Ability -Speed is good, but not great. He's a bit of a short strider but when he's in the open field and able to build speed he can pull away from safeties and linebackers. Good with the free hand to wall off a defender in the open field. Has nice wiggle and head fakes to create false steps.

Power At POA - He's sticky at the point of attack. Really like his hand power to stay attached and shows good lateral quickness and functional strength in the lower half to not get bullied or bubbled back. Holds his own perfectly well from in-line position.

Competitive Toughness - Has next level strength, both as a blocker at the LOS and in the open field when smaller defenders are looking to cut him down. Love his RAC efforts, shows good contact balance. Power isn't overwhelming in drive blocks but rarely caught pressed back into backfield.

Flexibility - Pad level and hip level are effective, not one to get busted with too much surface area. Like his mobility through the torso to work his eyes back to the football. Dynamic base to carry speed through his breaks and create snap/separation in the secondary.

Balance - Contact balance after the catch is phenomenal. Has toed the sideline to pick up extra yards, pinballed off defenders and won positioning as a blocker to win leverage. Body control is always consistent and rarely tossed or discarded by physical challenges.

Football Intelligence - Wonderfully developed, hard not to appreciate his overall game and complete influence of the team's offense as a first-year starter. His lack of experience shouldn't warrant any concern, he understands finer points of leverage, positioning and route running.

BEST TRAIT - Route Running

WORST TRAIT - Explosiveness

BEST FILM - LSU (2018)

WORST FILM - Georgia (2018)

RED FLAGS - None

Irv Smith projects favorably as a modern day tight end. Smith has consistent flashes in the receiving game and will enter the league with blocking chops as well. There's not a lot of cons to Smith's profile, he's a very well rounded player who should be able to transition quickly to the pros. Smith's ceiling is as a Pro Bowl caliber Tight End, his well rounded skills will enable him high snap percentages and his versatility as a receiver will allow him to excel in nearly any offense.

Round Grade - Early Second Round

Film -



Vrabel's jacked up about the pick.

AND, OF COURSE, THE LADIES REJOICE...

@sportscoach and the Titsburgh Feelers are now on the clock. Personally, I hope I took who he wanted.

 

[sportscoach]

Sorry peeps, just getting off of work! So I’ll pick sometime here in the next hour or so (I need food pretty badly)! Also @thedarkness2332 I really do not need to draft a TE right now, so you did me a favor by drafting him! Thanks!

 

[sportscoach]

With the 53rd pick in the NFL Draft the Steelers select...

Deebo Samuel WR from South Carolina!

HEIGHT 5' 11"
WEIGHT 214 lbs
ARMS 31 3/8”
HANDS 10”

40 Yard Dash
4.48 SECONDS

Bench Press
15 REPS

Vertical Jump
39.0 INCHES

Broad Jump
122.0 INCHES

3 Cone Drill
7.03 SECONDS

20 Yd Shuttle
4.14 SECONDS

Overview
Tyshun "Deebo" Samuel lives up to his nickname (it comes from a tough guy in the movie "Friday") and plays each game like he's stepping into an alley fight. While Samuel is tough and competitive, he lacks suddenness and might need scheme help with motion and bunch formations to help free him against NFL man coverage. He is a gamer who thrives once the ball is in his hands, and he might be able to help a team from the slot if he can stay healthy.
Strengths

• Extremely urgent and competitive
• Subtle but effective adjustments around attempted route redirection
• Pre-stem fake often gets defenders to lean or open hips
• Body control allows for earlier stops and turns in routes
• Fearless and focused working the middle of the field
• Possesses strong hands with will to win contested catches
• Works aggressively back to the football
• Steams right through arm tackles after the catch
• Has running back vision with the ball in his hands
• Surprising build-up speed to separate as open-field runner
• Four career kick returns for touchdowns

Weaknesses

• Compact, stocky frame looks out of place outside
• Needs to improve footwork to defeat press
• Routes lack forward lean and vertical push
• Hip tightness limits stride length
• Needs to add some finesse with route-work
• Struggled to uncover against press-and-trail coverage
• Average burst to separate out of breaks and turns
• Below average catch radius and mid-air body adjustments
• First and only healthy season was in 2018
• Past hamstring issues concern evaluators.

To be honest this was not even the position I was looking for at this point of the draft, but I couldn't find anyone better on my board. With Antonio Brown gone, the Steelers needed another WR and he really felt like a Steeler with the fact he is a very competitive guy, who has good hands and is fearless on the field. Also could make an impact right away in the return game as well. He is good at adjusting in the air to the ball and I wouldn't be surprised to see him go back to Big Ben when he scrambles to get open!

 

[sportscoach]

@Snowblind is on the clock then @AZ_ is after that!

 

[Snowblind]

With the 53rd pick in RCF 2019 Mock Draft.. The Philadelphia Eagles select..


Juan Thornhill, Safety, Virginia

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpdpV1Ld46s




View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_TI78WhIFU




Why? The Eagles ranked 25th in the league with 10 interceptions last season. This lack of ball production is symptomatic of the mediocre secondary play the Eagles had for much of the year. While the unit admirably tightened up down the stretch, there is no guarantee that it wasn’t an aberration with overperforming young players. To be fair, the Eagles have some reason to be encouraged by their young defensive backs, but they could still add another playmaker to the mix to really solidify the group

Thornhill tested well at the combine, and he would be an appealing pick to help get this position group younger, quickly. Rodney McLeod is a free agent after 2019. Newly signed Andrew Sendejo is on a one-year deal. Tre Sullivan is in the mix behind Malcolm Jenkins, but injuries to McLeod and Corey Graham in 2018 showed how fragile this position can be.


Overview

Three-year starter who proved he could bring his instincts and ball skills with him from cornerback to safety in 2018. Thornhill's size and cover talent should allow defensive coordinators the freedom to deploy him around the field in a variety of ways depending on the matchups and his running mate at safety. While he could garner consideration as a corner, safety gives him his best opportunity to become an early starter.

Strengths

• NFL size and wingspan for the position
• Former cornerback with carryover ball-hawking mentality
• Works eyes from ball to receiver to ball again with no issues picking it back up
• Recognition of route combos gives him head-start on throws
• Effective playing with back to the ball
• Treats every target like it is thrown to him
• Crowds receivers and outworks them for catch space
• Quick trigger to challenge dig routes
• Rangy to get to deep part of the field in coverage
• Can line up over slot on matchup tight ends
• Athleticism to handle open-field tackling in wide-open space
• Runs the alley with good pursuit pace
• Closes distance and drives through runner's legs to finish

Weaknesses

• Body doesn't appear to carry the puffed-up weight total from the spring
• Narrow frame for work in the box
• Needs improvement in attacking blocks near the line
• Hasn't fully adjusted to run-pursuit angles as safety just yet
• Occasional busts in coverage as he learns new responsibilities
• Slow to open and sprint when transitioning on deep throws
• Has to balance playmaking instincts with more caution when warranted
• Could have issues against bait routes and play-action early in career

 

[AZ_]

With the 54th pick in the 2019 RCF NFL Mock Draft....

The Green Bay Packers select...

Christian Miller, DL, Alabama
6'3 - 247lbs
35'' Arm - 9-3/4'' Hand

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OVERVIEW
First Step Quickness –Good but not great burst and release off the snap to challenge the edge. Likable second gear and brings enough pacing from tilted angles to really pressure opposing OTs. Similar results from both two and three pt. stances.

Hand Technique/Length – Placement to stack blocks is really nice. Does a good job of locking horns and keeping his leverage on the block to hold his gap. Will win at first contact with length and shows awareness of using hands to sweep himself clear of debris when it's time to pursue.

Pass Rush Counters – Awareness of flashing hands and opportunities to cut them down are strong. Flashed shallow swim, arm over, sweep, long arm, etc. Still has some reps that get off the rails on him, tried a sloppy inside spin and doesn't always cut man in half as needed.

Flexibility –Better bend than originally anticipated. Like his ankle mobility to flatten, most specifically when he's detached from blockers and cornering with speed in space. His lateral tilt is above average as well, he just gets bubbled when he's riding off of a set of hands.

Run Defending –He doesn't have the anchor or the raw power to roll back offensive tackles but he does have enough pop in his hands to negate forward push and shows good lateral disengagement skills to drop into a gap and stuff up a play.

Competitive Toughness –Can get bodies stuck on his chest if he's caught without pressing to disengage himself. Anchor is really strong when he's popped his hands into extension to lock out. Motor runs hot, shows great effort off the back side.

Tackling –Long arms flash an impressive catch radius, like how well he plays away from his center to wrap up. Short area mobility is present to flash and mirror his opponent and slide down to pin the ball carrier into traffic. Brings plenty of power on crash down attempts.

Lateral Mobility – Really smooth, don't see any issues with him unlocking his hips and flowing up and down the LOS to play in run support. Like his efforts as a contain player to stay outside the stretch. Can transition and get outside of rolling quarterbacks.

Stand Up Ability –Releases are just as effective from two and three pt. stances. His lack of pure power will aid him from a 2 pt. stance as he's allowed to work from wider natural angles and afford him a little extra wiggle room. Shouldn't be implemented too frequently going backwards.

Football IQ –Non-experienced as a starter but a featured role player for several seasons, he's further along than low start numbers would anticipate. Still needs to more fully flesh out his rush plans to ensure he's not putting sloppy, mistimed reps on the field.



BEST TRAIT – Hand Technique

WORST TRAIT – Separation Consistency

BEST FILM – Missouri (2018)

WORST FILM – LSU (2018)

RED FLAGS –2018 hamstring

Christian Miller projects as a starting OLB in an odd front. Miller has good release off the edge and shows really effective work to stack up blockers from outside-in. Miller brings athleticism to play up in a 2-pt stance and effectively set the edge, but his best qualities shine as a pass rusher. Miller shows length, mobility and enough cornering skill to develop into an effective threat off the edge. Will need time to further develop his rush consistency.

 

[AZ_]

With the 55th pick in the 2019 RCF NFL Mock Draft....

The Green Bay Packers select...

Darnell Savage, S, Maryland
5'11 - 198lbs
31'' Arm - 9-1/8'' Hand

​

OVERVIEW
Coverage - Performs well in off-man coverage and defending split zones. Astute ability to read the backfield and work into throwing lanes. Overlaps coverage and understands split zone spacing. Good route anticipator, with excellent awareness. Wires can get crossed playing deep off the ball as a single high safety. Has plenty of range.

Tackling - Tremendous finisher that makes tackles outside his frame. Does well to securely wrap up with excellent contact power. Drives his feet through contact and competes to not concede additional yards.

Processing - Love his ability to diagnose quick game and run plays. Drives forward with urgency, taking precise angles to maximize his range. Has a natural feel in coverage both in terms of route anticipation and spacing. Has good field vision, illustrating awareness to blockers and how to cut off angles.

Ball Skills - Takes excellent angles to the football in the air with good anticipation. Breaks on the football with precise timing and technique. Two of his seven interceptions across the last two seasons have been of the pick-6 variety.

Range - Covers ground rapidly, takes good angles and consistently arrives on schedule. Is often on the backside of a play and beats the front side defenders to the football. Features a blend of short area quickness and long speed.

Physicality - Is an urgent player that plays a physical brand of football. Battles through contact in pursuit and features excellent hitting power. Aggressive at the catch point and when disengaging from blocks. Tone setter.

Play Speed - Plays fast, but with enough patience to not fall victim to play fakes or misdirection. Commits quickly in pursuit and takes astute tracks to the football. Has the athletic ability to match steps in man coverage from the slot.

Flexibility - Loose and controlled mover with clean transitions. Rapid click and close ability to drive off his back foot. Has plenty of juice to urgently close distances. Easily undercuts/slips blocks and works his frame around corners.

Versatility - Still needs growth as a one high safety but his overall coverage versatility is excellent because he is so sound in split zones and man coverage. Quick trigger to fire downhill and make plays defending the run or quick game.

BEST TRAIT - Tackling

WORST TRAIT - Deep Zone Coverage

RED FLAGS - None

A four-year starter for the Terps, Savage features a versatile skill set with an outstanding athletic profile. Not only is Savage a physical defender in pursuit and when tackling, but he’s sticky in coverage with excellent ball skills. He takes precise angles to the football, has outstanding range and is a clean processor overall. Savage profiles as an eventual starter that is maximized defending split zone while providing a tone-setting presence to the secondary.

2019 Packers Draft:
1 (23) - Jeffrey Simmons - DL - Mississippi State
1 (30) - Hakeem Butler - WR - Iowa State
2 (44) - Mack Wilson - LB - Alabama
2 (54) - Christian Miller - LB - Alabama
2 (55) - Darnell Savage - DB - Maryland

 

[AZ_]

On the Clock:
56. New England (from Chicago) - @raiders91sc

On Deck:
57. Philadelphia - @Snowblind
58. Dallas - @Phills14
59. Indianapolis - @daddywags

 

[raiders91sc]

doing it now

 

[raiders91sc]

With the 56th pick in the 2019 RCF NFL Mock Draft....

The Super Bowl Champions select...

GREG LITTLE. LT

MISSISSIPPI

6' 5"
310 lbs
35 1/4”

Why: The Pats have holes at DT, DE, WR, and TE. We filled the DE hole with our 1st round pick. With 11 picks we have the ability to draft value over needs. When our need is at the right value we will take it but we will not panic. 3 years ago Greg Little was the top tackle in high school. His 3 years playing at Mississippi showed why he was ranked that high. Has the ability to be a starting LT from day 1. Physical ability wise probably the best LT prospect in draft. Like our 1st round pick maturity and discipline made this player drop. In the New England system this wont be a issue.


Overview
Little possesses the important combination of size, length and quickness as a prototypical left tackle prospect. While he wasn't asked to do it much in 2018, he has the athletic ability to handle zone-blocking duties, which could suit his skill-set more than a physical rush attack. Little is a natural bender with good feet and pepper in his punch as blind-side protector, but his average anchor and inconsistent body control create some concern. He will be an early starter at left tackle, but needs to improve his strength and eliminate his tendency to lean in order to reach the potential his physical and athletic traits offer.