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Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst
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2019 NFL Draft Week - Wednesday Rumors

Updated April 24, 2019
By Charlie Campbell. Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell.

The 2019 NFL Draft is just one day away! Here are some rumors I have heard from sources with the draft just hours away.

Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is a virtual lock to go as a top-20 choice, with a number of teams picking in the top 16 having him in the running to be their first-round pick. Sources say that the Dolphins, Falcons, Panthers and Titans are all in on Wilkins for their first-round pick. The Titans are said to really want him, but it looks very unlikely he gets to their pick. Wilkins fits a lot of what the Falcons look for in players in terms of character and leadership, while he also possesses the versatility that is sought after in Miami's defensive scheme. Carolina could use a versatile defensive lineman as well, so Wilkins has a lot of potential landing spots in the top 16. If the Titans want to land Wilkins, they will probably have to trade up to get him.

Sources with the Texans say that general manager Brian Gaine is likely to play it safe with his first-round pick, which is the first time he is selecting for organization. In free agency, Houston added some veterans to weak areas like the secondary and offensive line, but more work is needed for both position groups. Sources with the Texans say two offensive linemen who are top contenders for their first-round pick are Oklahoma tackle/guard Cody Ford and Boston College guard Chris Lindstrom. It sounds like the Texans are higher on Ford, who offers more position flexibility, and they feel he is a better fit in front of Deshaun Watson, as more mobility is necessary to protect the athletic quarterback and his tendency to hold on to the ball for a long time.

In the secondary, the Texans would want a corner in the mold of a young Johnathan Joseph who can run, move with suddenness, and cover longer downfield. They were tight lipped on which corners fit their parameters, but adding more talent to the secondary and offensive line seem to be top of mind for the Texans organization.

A year ago, the Colts were one of the teams that was in dire need of a great draft class, and they hit a home run in 2018 with a loaded class which took them from last place to easily beating the division champion Texans in the first round of the playoffs. After two strong draft classes under general manager Chris Ballard and director of college scouting Morocco Brown, Indianapolis is able to target the best player available regardless of position.

The strength of the 2019 draft class is the defensive line, but it sounds like two potential defensive lineman who could go in the range of the Colts' pick aren't in play for them. In speaking with sources, it sounded unlikely Indianapolis would take Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons given that he may not play at all during his rookie season due to his ACL tear while training for the combine. Clemson nose tackle Dexter Lawrence also does not sound to be a candidate either. Lawrence has some limitations for a 4-3 defense and doesn't project well to contributing in the nickel. Adding to the defensive line is in play for Indianapolis, but it sounds like the organization is likely to pass on Simmons and Lawrence.

Louisiana Tech defensive end Jaylon Ferguson is likely to go on the second day of the 2019 NFL Draft, but if he falls lower than expected, the reason will be some teams having makeup and character concerns about him. Sources from one team looking for edge-rush help on Day 2 of the 2019 NFL Draft said they planned on passing on Ferguson because they were not comfortable with his makeup. Ferguson's off-the-field issues could end up causing teams to pass on him when they otherwise would draft him given his body of work at Louisiana Tech.