2019 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting the first round after Week 5
55. . DT/DL. Clemson. Christian Wilkins. 22. player
The trio of defensive lineman on the Clemson Tigers team are bound to all go in the first round. Their numbers are all much lower than they could be since they must all share the stats. If any of them played for another team, their sacks and tackles-for-loss would be significantly higher. Christian Wilkins will likely be the last to go, but by no means is he a consolidation prize for any team.
Wilkins has been a rock in the middle of the defensive line for the Tigers for the past four years. The senior, and leader on the line, has played in every game in his Clemson career. A great athlete with an incredible football mind. So far in his career, Wilkins has 157 tackles and 12.5 sacks despite playing nose tackle for most of his playing time.
The Steelers have had a great offense for many years, but their defense has been the key area that has kept them from winning the AFC, and competing for the Super Bowl nearly every year. In last year’s draft, Pittsburgh drafted Mason Rudolph in preparation for Ben Roethlisberger’s eventual departure. Additionally, it appears as though James Connor and Juju Smith-Schuster will do just fine as the team’s future at running back and wide receiver, respectively. It is time for the Steelers to focus on defense.