Perfect Picks: Cincinnati Bengals
With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.
We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.
Round 1 - Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
The hope will be that the Bengals fork out serious money for a proven answer to their offensive line woes. If they do, it will free them up come the opening day of the draft. The big free agent signing of Trae Wayne’s didn’t pan out so they may look to find a starting corner in round 1. Gordon took some time finding his best position at Washington but settled as an outside corner. He is physical, twitchy and should test really well; his ceiling is sky high even if 31 is higher than the general consensus on him.
Round 2 - Darian Kinnard, iOL, Kentucky
No amount of protection will be too much for Joe Burrow. The Bengals should be having a discussion at every spot on the o-line. If they can get a big time tackle to pair with Jonah Williams then they could use a second rounder on a guard spot. It’s frustrating last years second rounder, Jackson Carman wasn’t an immediate starter but Kentucky’s Darian Kinnard would add further competition. Kinnard is a mammoth who has played tackle but projects as an interior lineman. He is the kind of road grader needed in the AFC North.
Mid Round Gem - Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati
The biggest question mark of the Bengals offseason will likely be the future of Jessie Bates. Selecting Cook here is not a replacement but offers a degree of insurance. Cook plays closer to the line of scrimmage and is at his best coming downhill to apply ferocious hits. He has solid man coverage skills and actually matches more to the style of Vonn Bell. The hope will be that Bates is back, for at least one more year, and that Lou Anarumo can use a chess piece like Cook in some 3-safety sets.
Late Round Sleeper - Jeremiah Hall, RB, Oklahoma
While running back might not be the top of the Bengals shopping list, they could dip into the market late in the draft. Samaje Perine was a solid role player but could offer some cap savings if let go. Chris Evans should assume the backup role to Joe Mixon but how about mixing up the styles by taking Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Hall? Hall is a full back/H-Back and offers solid blocking ability. His physical style would be a nice wrinkle for Zac Taylor’s offense, especially considering fullbacks are enjoying somewhat of a renaissance.
Draft In Full:
31. Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
63. Darian Kinnard, iOL, Kentucky
95. Haskell Garrett, DT, Ohio State
135. Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA
174. Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati
208. Emeka Emezie, WR, NC State
224. D’Marco Jackson, LB, Appalachian State
250. Jeremiah Hall, FB, Oklahoma
