ESPN’s Mel Kiper is widely considered to be one of the most insightful draft analysts in the league. So when he puts out a mock draft, fans listen to what he has to say. With the 2019 NFL draft just a few hours away, Kiper put together his final mock draft.
With the No. 22 overall selection in the 2019 NFL draft, the Baltimore Ravens will select Texas A&M center Erik McCoy, according to Kiper.
“I expect the Ravens to try to trade down, but their biggest hole is at the interior offensive line. I have picked McCoy to the Ravens in previous mocks, and I’ll stick with it.”
Kiper is more known for reviewing each prospect closely and making mock drafts based more on need and talent rather than predicting what each general manager will actually do. But it’s hard to hate the selection of McCoy regardless of how you look at it.
The Ravens need help along the interior of their offensive line. McCoy has primarily been a center at Texas A&M but has played at guard as well. While last year’s starter at center, Matt Skura, is still young and developing, McCoy should be an immediate upgrade for Baltimore. He’s a well-rounded prospect with enough size, speed and strength to be a productive blocker both in pass protection and in the run game. With some more refinement as he develops and playing next to Marshal Yanda, McCoy should help solidify the Ravens’ offensive line as they look to lean more on the run in 2019.
