2019 Picks #171-175
From the 2019 NFL Draft Bible (click here to purchase)
#171 Giants - Darius Slayton, WR, Auburn
OUTLOOK: Slayton has a long lanky frame with long arms and terrific top end speed. He made his presence known as a sophomore with a 22.2 yards per catch average. The Georgia native had a knack for getting open deep and had instant chemistry with quarterback Jarrett Stidham. He has the athleticism needed to be a starter but he’s still refining his craft as a route runner and will need time before he develops into a regular contributor.
#172 Falcons - Jordan Miller, CB, Washington
OUTLOOK: When healthy, Jordan Miller was a consistent contributor to the Washington Huskies defense. Unfortunately for Miller, his career has been littered with minor injuries that have kept him from staying healthy for a full season. A long and wiry corner, Miller uses his frame to his advantage while in coverage. Miller seems to have a penchant for the football, as he uses his long arms and ball skills to make spectacular interceptions. It almost seems as if Miller is the receiver on passes that he has intercepted. He has a natural tracking ability which allows him to high point the football. Miller also has the necessary athleticism you want to see out of a bigger corner, as he has the play speed to stay with almost any receiver. Washington holds an NFL Combine event for returning players in which Jordan Miller ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and combined it with a 41-inch vertical jump. Staying healthy is Miller’s biggest knock, but he also does a poor job in run support. He lunges at intended ball carriers and doesn’t break down before tackling which leads to whiffs. As the NFL continues to favor offense, tall athletic corners like Jordan Miller may be able to find a niche within a cornerback needy team.
#173 Redskins - Cole Holcomb, LB, North Carolina
OUTLOOK: A phenomenal athlete, Holcomb ran an incredible 4.53 forty-yard dash at the NFL Regional Combine, a testament to his explosiveness and quickness. His football IQ enabled him to play all three linebacker positions for the Tar Heels and he showed tremendous leadership this past season in the wake of the school’s sneaker scandal, taking a defensive unit consisting mostly of younger players under his wing. Holcomb is physical at the point of attack and demonstrates natural instincts. In 43 career games, Holcomb accumulated 327 tackles (15.5 for loss), 12 pass deflections and was able to generate four forced fumbles this past season, including three in one game versus Georgia Tech. He registered a 39.5” vertical, 10-0 broad jump and 7.14 L-drill time, along with a 1.54 10-yard split in the forty and 4.35 short shuttle time. Scouts love his cat-like quickness, closing ability and knowledge of the game. He could potentially thrive in a 4-3 scheme and possibly hear his name called late on Day 3 of the draft due to his upside.
#174 Cardinals - Keesean Johnson, WR, Fresno State
OUTLOOK: Possesses strong hands, excellent range and is an advanced route runner who can create separation. Playing on the west coast, Johnson has flown under the radar but he recently broke Davante Adams’ school record for catches and finished with 275 career receptions which is good for 37th all time. A phenomenal leaper and basketball standout as a prep, the Palo Alto native has made plenty of acrobatic catches throughout his career. Johnson knows how to track the pass, locate it and does a great job of adjusting to the football. His body control is elite and he’s such a smooth runner, he just glides after the catch. He is also a very willing blocker that not only understands angles and play flow but shows excellent effort up field on screens. While Johnson has strong hands and excels in contested catch situations, he does suffer from lapses in concentration, namely the 2018 Nevada game. He is a threat after the catch but he won’t break many tackles and will likely struggle to beat press coverage against more physical corners at the next level. Johnson is an explosive playmaker with a game very reminiscent of Stefon Diggs with his sleek build, outstanding body control and ability to adjust to the football.
#175 Steelers - Sutton Smith, EDGE, Northern Illinois
OUTLOOK: Smith, a pint-sized pass rusher who recorded a staggering 29 sacks and 56.5 tackles over the past two seasons at Northern Illinois, prompting him to declare early for the NFL and (because he had already graduated), earning him a trip to the prestigious Senior Bowl, where he hoped to prove just as dynamic as an off-ball linebacker. Short but not small with broad shoulders and a rocked-up upper body and excellent overall weight distribution. Lightning quick off the snap, zipping by would-be blockers freely, on occasion and showing good lateral agility to elude in tight quarters. Takes full advantage of his lower pad level, consistently over-powering much larger men by getting under their pads and uprooting them with excellent leg drive. Disruptive defender with excellent hand-eye coordination to poke the ball free. Energizer bunny when it comes to pursuit, racing all over the field to get involved. Quick to get back up if knocked down, showing a Rudy Ruettiger style which will endear him to coaches and fans, alike. Significantly shorter than preferred for playing along the line of scrimmage, projecting at best as a pass rush specialist if he remains there. Lack of length shows up as tackler, as well, offering a relatively tiny tackle radius in comparison to most edge rushers. A true to life version of the character Dash in the animated film series, The Incredibles, Smith is a dynamo of speed, competitiveness and underrated power.
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