2019 Picks #71-75
From the 2019 NFL Draft Bible (click here to purchase)
#71 Broncos - Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
OUTLOOK: The best indication of the caliber of talent that Urban Meyer and his staff brought to Ohio State is the fact that when star defensive end Nick Bosa suffered a groin injury and missed much of the 2018 season, Jones (not to mention youngster Chase Young) emerged as an All-American in his place. A starter since the second game of his redshirt freshman season three years ago, Jones was already well known in the scouting community, entering the 2018 campaign with 71 tackles, including nine for loss under his belt after sitting out his first year on campus with a medical redshirt. While Jones had previously teased with his talent, he emerged as one of the most productive defensive linemen in the Big Ten as a fourth-year junior, far surpassing his previous career totals in both tackles for loss (13) and sacks (8.5) in a breakout campaign that earned him First Team all-conference honors from the league coaches and All-American accolades from some publications. Jones' 'tweener-ish frame suggests a jack-of-all-trades type of performer who projects best on a traditional four-man front. While any player with just one dominant season is an inherently risky proposition, Jones' quickness and improved technique are reasons for optimism.
#72 Bengals - Germaine Pratt, OLB, North Carolina State
OUTLOOK: Emerged as one of the ACC's top linebackers in 2018, leading the conference in tackles at the conclusion of the regular season (104), despite missing the final two games of year due to a shoulder injury. What makes Pratt's ascent so interesting is that he did not emerge as a full-time starter until his senior campaign, rotating with two seniors in 2017 and yet still finishing fourth on the team in tackles (69, including five for loss) and showing a knack for producing big plays in big games, Pratt looks the part of a future Pro Bowl inside linebacker but his play leaves you wanting for more consistency, which may keep him outside.
#73 Bears - David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State
OUTLOOK: A well-rounded back who can run block and catch, Montgomery is credited by Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell for being the player who helped turn the Iowa State football program around and claims that the explosive runner would be the team’s best route runner if he played receiver. His elusiveness in the open field is as good as it gets. Montgomery possesses a high ceiling and could ultimately turn out to be the best back in the draft.
#74 Bills - Devin Singletary, RB, Florida Atlantic
OUTLOOK: The “Motor” man just doesn’t stop, running hard between the tackles or on the edge. In addition to his power running style, Singletary shows exceptional change of direction capability and gains a tremendous amount of yardage after contact. He nearly broke the 2,000-yard rushing mark in 2017 and is widely regarded as the best player in FAU history. Playing in Conference USA does dim his accomplishments somewhat. He’s viewed as a potential feature back in a pass heavy offense where he can use his change of direction and ability in space.
#75 Packers - Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas AM
OUTLOOK: The transfer exploded onto the NFL radar this season with 47 receptions, 804 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, after registering just one reception during two seasons in Kansas. He also played one season at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M (21-336-6) in between. A three-sport athlete in high school, Sternberger competed in basketball, football and track. He was a 5-9 high school quarterback until a shoulder injury robbed him of his arm strength and he enjoyed a six-inch growth spurt between his sophomore and junior years. Teams may be leery of the limited body of work but the intangibles are enticing.
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