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

The Raiders received this pick from the Cowboys in the Amari Cooper trade, and they could be looking to identify his replacement here after using their first two selections on defense. Like I mentioned earlier, I wouldn’t be surprised if Oakland packaged this pick, and/or the Bears pick, to try and move up in the draft to ensure they land an impact rusher off the edge in Josh Allen or the interior in Quinnen Williams.

With an edge rusher and a defensive tackle already identified, Jon Gruden might choose to look and improve his pedestrian offense by attempting to find a No. 1 receiver for Derek Carr. Carr leaned heavily on tight end Jared Cook, and while former Packer Jordy Nelson fared well in his return from injury, the need on the outside is still obvious.

The NFL combine will be big for A.J. Brown as he looks to solidify his spot in the first round, and potentially compete for the No. 1 wideout spot. Brown doesn’t possess the elite speed, and could run a 40-time that drops him to the second day of the draft. He’s not going to beat many NFL secondaries over the top, but he’s an excellent possession receiver who can run the entire route tree.

His smoothness as a route runner helped him to consecutive 1,000 yard seasons at Ole Miss, and he should find a quality role in the NFL as a No. 2 or No. 3 option. If Brown’s combine numbers are disappointing, that could open the door for another receiver like Iowa State’s Hakeem Butler to jump into the first round in his place. Butler would likely give Gruden pause anyway. He’s not nearly the polished route runner as Brown, but he has the size and speed that could make him one day a No. 1 option in the league.

The Raiders may also look for secondary help with this pick, with Mississippi State safety Johnathan Abram being a guy they will closely evaluate.