2019 Picks #176-180
From the 2019 NFL Draft Bible (click here to purchase)
#176 49ers - Kaden Smith, TE, Stanford
OUTLOOK: A well-rounded tight end who is a stout blocker and can also serve as a security blanket underneath with his ability to go over the middle. He credits Dalton Schultz and Zach Ertz (both Stanford alumni) for improving his run blocking. The Cardinal boast a long lineage of producing NFL tight ends, which makes organizations feel just a little bit more comfortable about making the selection. Smith possesses starter traits.
#177 Saints - Saquan Hampton, S, Rutgers
OUTLOOK: Wherever the ball is, it seems as if Hampton knows exactly where it is going to end up. Named team captain prior to this season, Hampton has some sleeper like qualities that are extremely intriguing as a ball hawking safety. Athleticism is where Hampton thrives, as he looks extremely natural in his transitions. His play speed is excellent, and has no issues whatsoever staying with his man. In coverage, Hampton makes plays on the ball and isn’t afraid of taking chances. Hampton not only uses his athleticism in the pass game, but does a great job breaking down and tackling in the run game. He uses his speed to shoot the gaps and isn’t afraid of navigating traffic inside the box. Hampton is a gambler and when he misses he gives up big plays. Overrunning plays is also a weakness of his, as he sometimes is going too fast and flat out misses a tackle. Hampton is a prospect that has immense upside in the later rounds as he boasts intriguing speed, ball skills, and instincts.
#178 Jaguars, Gardner Minshew, QB, Washington State
OUTLOOK:A journey well-traveled, Minshew began as a walk-on at Troy for six months before transferring to Northwest Mississippi Community College and guiding the Rangers to the MACJC Football Championship. Next, he would take his talents to East Carolina, where he spent parts of two seasons starting before Nick Saban came calling with an opportunity to transfer to Alabama. Minshew would turn down his chance to play for the Crimson Tide, when he was approached by “Air Raid” innovator Mike Leach to join him at Washington State. Having run the “Air Raid” offense since Pee Wee ball, it seemed like a logical decision. Minshew responded by tossing for 4,779 passing yards (second in the nation). He was named a team captain and starter for the Senior Bowl, in addition to being named one of the practice players of the week by event staff. However, he didn’t fair too well in the actual game, completing just one-of-eight passes for four yards. While Minshew checks off all the boxes with his heart, determination and leadership, there are still too many limitations in his overall game to view him as anything more than a backup.
#179 Cardinals - Lamont Gaillard, C, Georgia
OUTLOOK: Gaillard (pronounced GILL-yard), arrived to Athens as a defensive lineman. He would switch to guard, where he made 13 starts as a sophomore, before finishing up his final two seasons at center, making an additional 29 starts in the middle. The Bulldogs have had one of the top rushing offenses in the country throughout his career.
#180 Giants - Corey Ballentine, CB, Washburn
OUTLOOK: Ballentine was a man amongst boys at the D-II level, winning the Cliff Harris Award as the best "small school" defensive player in the country. With his length, speed, proven ball-skills and physical nature, he appears likely to join former Washburn cornerback Cary Williams (229th overall in 2008) and defensive tackle Trey Lewis (185th overall in 2007) as the only Ichabod players drafted into the NFL this century.
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