2019 Picks #141-145
From the 2019 NFL Draft Bible (click here to purchase)
#141 Steelers - Zach Gentry, TE, Michigan
OUTLOOK: A converted quarterback, Gentry presents a tremendous size mismatch, a big reason why 21 of his 30 receptions went for a first down this past season. In addition to a huge catch radius, he also demonstrates enough athleticism to line up in the slot occasionally and averaged nearly 17 yards per catch for his career. An average blocker who struggles to get off bump and run coverage. While size is intriguing, he seems a bit unnatural in his movements at times and suffers from a case of the dropsies. Stated that Twitter criticism bothered him and deleted his account. A developmental player who’ll receive every opportunity to get coached up.
#142 Seahawks - Ben Burr-Kirven, ILB, Washington
OUTLOOK: Want to talk about a tackle machine? Look no further than the leader in total tackles (176!!) in the FBS, Benn Burr-Kirven. An interesting blend of size and speed for a linebacker, Burr-Kirven checks in at just 5’11 and 221lbs. Clearly, this didn’t play into his production as he was all around the ball this season. Burr-Kirven blends his instincts, play speed, and range into one of the more unique prospects in this draft class. While anyone can see his statistical production, Burr-Kirven’s ability to cover is what makes him special. He has a natural transition when diagnosing a passing play and can sniff out crossing routes while in zone coverage. Burr-Kirven looks natural while playing off man coverage and can use his acceleration to catch up to open receivers. Burr-Kirven struggles in taking on blockers, as he is usually much smaller than the guys who intend on blocking him. Burr-Kirven is an extremely unique prospect. While a position change to safety is not out of the question either, Benn Burr-Kirven projects as a hybrid linebacker with upside to turn into something special.
#143 Giants - Ryan Connelly, ILB , Wisconsin
#144 Colts - Marvell Tell III, FS, Southern California
OUTLOOK: While USC has fallen on relatively tough times in the PAC-12, its roster is still loaded with future NFL draft picks, many of whom possess prototypical size and speed and signed with the Trojans as highly regarded recruits. The summarizes Tell, a highly touted recruit, who saw action as a true freshman and started the past three seasons of his career at free safety for the Trojans, leaving USC with 164 tackles, including 5.5 for loss, as well as six pass breakups and four interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
#145 Bucs - Matt Gay, K, Utah
OUTLOOK: A former college soccer player who walked on with the Utes during the preseason of 2017; by season’s end, he become Utah’s first Lou Groza Award winner and a consensus All-American. It was his first year kicking since 2011, when he played in high school. Gay played two seasons of college soccer at Utah Valley University prior to Utah. He grew up with five brothers and two sisters and is no stranger to adversity. One of his brothers overdosed on heroin twice but managed to stay alive on both occasions. He had another brother who came out as gay, growing up in the heart of a heavy Mormon region. He’s said to be a very easy-going and laid back personality, according to his head coach Kyle Whittingham. Gay had a strong week during the East-West Shrine Game game practices and capped it off with a 47-yard field goal during the game. Despite a limited body of work, his clutch performances in big spots and ability to connect from half of the football field makes him a candidate to be the first specialist off the board.
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