2019 NFL Mock Draft: Projected first round after college football season

Christian Wilkins surprisingly spurned the NFL last season despite receiving a first round grade from the advisory board in order to return to Clemson and win a National Championship. Wilkins’ dream became a reality on Monday night as the Tigers thumped Alabama 44-16.

Wilkins and company struggled early in the game against Alabama’s rushing attack, but eased into the game and stood tall when they needed to in the redzone, turning the Tide’s offensive production into mere empty yardage. Against a historically potent offense, Wilkins helped Clemson’s defense keep Alabama off the scoreboard for the final 44 minutes of game action.

Alabama drove inside the 30 on three straight possessions in the second half, and yet netted zero points as Clemson’s defense would not be denied in Santa Clara. Wilkins’ numbers were meager, netting four tackles, a tackle-for-loss, and half a sack, but he played a big role in the Tigers’ stifling front, shouldering an even bigger load with Dexter Lawrence’s suspension.

The Colts nailed last season’s draft, and landing a player of Wilkins’ caliber this late in the first round would be a major coup for Indianapolis as they look to retake their place atop the AFC South next season.

Defensive tackle might not be the most pressing need for the Colts, but they do still have some odd schematic fits with their defensive change under the new coaching staff, and Wilkins is a perfect fit for their current system.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if they looked to find a complimentary WR to go opposite T.Y. Hilton, either. Led by A.J. Brown and Hakeem Butler, there would still be several quality receivers available at this point in the draft.