2019 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterbacks rising in first round of NFL Draft
By Phil Poling
59. . Defensive Line. Clemson Tigers. Christian Wilkins. 13. player
The Miami Dolphins seemed to be in play for a quarterback at No. 13 until the signing of Ryan Fitzpatrick. This provided them an opportunity instead to draft best player available, and Clemson’s Christian Wilkins is standing front-and-center.
At 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds., Wilkins became a star for head coach Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers. He anchored a defensive line that propelled the Tigers to two National Championships, and also collected a few personal accolades on the way.
Wilkins played some defensive end early on in his career, but really came into his own at defensive tackle for the Tigers. He was flushed with NFL-talent surrounding him, too, but Wilkins was the nuisance opposing teams’ game-planned against. He routinely made plays in the backfield, but when unable to generate pressure, Wilkins still managed to wreak havoc in the passing game. Over four seasons, Wilkins tallied 15 pass deflections.