2019 NFL Draft big board: Wild Card-round edition

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OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 8: D.K. Metcalf #14 of the Mississippi Rebels catches a pass for a touchdown during a game against the Southern Illinois Salukis at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. The Rebels defeated the Salukis 76-41. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Niner Noise Big Board: Nos. 32 to 27

No. 32: D.K. Metcalf, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss

D.K. Metcalf projects as a real boom-or-bust prospect who figures to polarize some when he is picked.

Injury concerns, drops and concerns on his speed could drop him a little, as well as not being the best receiver on his team (more on that in a bit), but his strengths in route running and physicality could see him be drafted as a No. 2 receiver for a team.

No. 31: Cody Ford, Guard, Oklahoma

Cody Ford to me is a very safe selection and could be a real riser when it comes to draft day. He has excellent form and is proficient in both pass and run blocking, excellent strength, surprising athletic ability and a mean streak.

Teams always need interior blocking, and Ford could bolt into the teen picks if he can convince teams his injury history has no risk.

No. 30: N’Keal Harry, Wide Receiver, Arizona State

Some might be surprised, as plenty have had N’Keal Harry as high as the top 10, but there has been some talk the scouts don’t like him as much as the media does. Walter Football reports:

"One wide receiver who has garnered some media buzz is Arizona State’s K’Neal Harry. The big wideout has been productive for the Sun Devils and possesses good size. Team sources, hoever, are grading him on the second day of the 2019 NFL Draft. The test for any big receiver is how well they run and if that translates to the speed to separate from NFL cornerbacks. That sounds like that is the big issue with Harry and what could hold him back as a pro. “[Harry]’s not twitchy or fast and will have a hard time separating in the NFL,” said one scout. “He has inconsistent hands as well. He’s more of a Day 2 guy, and he’s similar to Devin Funchess.”"

Watch this space, as Harry may need to rely on a good 40-yard time on his pro day and at the NFL Scouting Combine to stay in the top 32.

No. 29: Drew Lock, Quarterback, Missouri

In a straight-up big board, you won’t generally see quarterbacks as high as where they eventually get drafted. This will probably end up the case for Drew Lock, who will be picked much higher than No. 29 in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Lock has some problems, generally on the mental side of things, such as going through his progressions and some slumps while at Missouri. But it’s clear he has the physical tools necessary to succeed in the NFL.

No. 28: Noah Fant, Tight End, Iowa

The successor to the 49ers’ own George Kittle at Iowa, Noah Fant looks set to be a much higher pick than the mere fifth rounder that the 49ers used.

Fant is a freakish tight end in terms of his athleticism. A team could instantly use him in a similar vein to Kittle, where his speed can be used to create mismatches either in zone coverage or versus linebackers over the middle.

No. 27: Damian Harris, Running Back, Alabama

There’s no elite running back prospect unlike previous years, but Damien Harris would be the guy you want to spend a (not so high) first-round pick on.

While not the most elusive running back ever drafted, and someone who won’t be a threat in the passing game, Harris is a pure power runner who can grind out games and be a good runner behind a stout line.

Expect a playoff team that needs an upgrade (Kansas City Chiefs, anyone?) to look closely.