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2019 NFL Mock Draft: Dexter Lawrence continues to rise

By Rucker Haringey

CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 2: Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers #90 celebrates a tackle against the Kent State Golden Flashes on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 2: Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers #90 celebrates a tackle against the Kent State Golden Flashes on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images) /
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ATHENS, GA – APRIL 21:Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Deandre Baker (18) takes a Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jake Fromm (11) interception to the end zone to put the black team up 7-0 during the annual G-Day Spring football game at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga on April 21, 2018. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA – APRIL 21:Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Deandre Baker (18) takes a Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jake Fromm (11) interception to the end zone to put the black team up 7-0 during the annual G-Day Spring football game at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga on April 21, 2018. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

DeAndre Baker. 19. player. 45. . Cornerback. Georgia

This may not be a perfect landing spot for Baker in terms of need, but at some point, his talent is going to force a team’s hand. He’s the second best cornerback in this draft and it’s hard to imagine him dropping outside of the top 20.

While Denver doesn’t have a glaring need at cornerback, adding a quality cover guy like Baker could elevate their defense. They addressed the front seven with Bradley Chubb in 2018, so it makes sense to address the back-end of the unit in 2019. Again, there’s just too much value here to pass up.

Baker is not one of those defensive backs who just keeps the ball away from receivers. He’s a legitimate ball hawk. His aggressive nature might get him beat upon occasion, but he’ll make significantly more big plays than he gives up. Putting him opposite Bradley Roby would give Denver a terrific cornerback duo to build around.

There’s always an outside chance the Broncos could look for a big time offensive weapon here. Someone like Bryce Love or even a quarterback could be tempting. In the end, look for the Broncos to play it safe and move for the most talented prospect on the board.

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