Heeee’s back! Kyle is going to take a stab at the Bengals first two days in the draft. Without further ado, take it away, Kyle!
Since the end of last season I have reviewed countless mock drafts. I have paid attention to the coverage from draft experts Kiper and McShay. Now I’m taking a crack at my own mock draft but at a micro level. I will only be giving my best guess as to who I think the Bengals will look to acquire in rounds 1 and 2. Based off of team need I will project what position the Bengals will draft with their remaining picks.
Bengals Picks:
1st round – pick #21
2nd round – pick #46
3rd round – pick #77 and #100
4th round – pick #112
5th round – pick #151, #158 and #170
6th round – no picks
7th round – pick #249, #252 and #253
In round 1 I have seen mocks that have the Bengals taking James Daniels (C – Iowa), Isaiah Wynn (G – Georgia), Billy Price (C – Ohio State), Rashaan Evans (OLB – Alabama), Lamar Jackson (QB – Louisville), Will Hernandez (G – Texas-El Paso), Mike McGlinchey (OT – Notre Dame) and Calvin Ridley (WR – Alabama) amongst others. The consensus seems to be that the Bengals will draft the best OL available with their first pick. With the addition of Cordy Glenn and new offensive line coach Frank Pollack, I could see the Bengals holding off until the 2nd round to draft an offensive lineman.
The Pick: Rashaan Evans – OLB – Alabama
I like the pick here because it addresses an area of concern and brings in a highly talented Alabama OLB prospect. The thought of Burfict on the strong side, newly added Preston Brown in the middle and Evans on the weak side should make all Bengals fans wishing this happens. Outside of Burfict the LB position has been a major issue the past few seasons. Evans has the speed to actually cover and track plays sideline to sideline. It would also be nice to see some sacks from the OLB position and the speed of Evans will help.
Surprise Pick: Lamar Jackson – QB – Louisville
This is so unlike the Bengals to make this move but it makes sense. Dalton has had a decent career and should still be a starter in the NFL. Unfortunately though it seems that he has taken Cincinnati as far as he can. A fresh start elsewhere should benefit him. Queue Jackson, he can come in and push Dalton in training camp and take the time to learn this year behind Dalton. It’s possible that if Dalton continues to struggle that Jackson could get significant playing time early on. Pairing Jackson with Green, Gio, Mixon, Eifert, and maybe John Ross (needs a lot of work) would make the Bengals offense extremely fun to watch.
In round 2 I believe that either Frank Ragnow (C – Arkansas), Billy Price (C- Ohio State), Isaiah Wynn (G – Georgia), Will Hernandez (G – Texas-El Paso) or Connor Williams (G – Texas) will be available. If only 1 player remains in close proximity to pick #46 look for the Bengals to package a few picks in an attempt to move up.
The Pick: Connor Williams – G/T – Texas
I would like to see Price or Ragnow fall to us here but I don’t think it will happen. Connor Williams is entering the draft after his junior year. He played LT while at Texas but is being projected to start at guard in the NFL. Williams fits the mold with what the Bengals traditionally look for in their OL. He has the ability to move all over the line and is a great run blocker.
Surprise Pick: Billy Price – C – Ohio State
The surprise would be if Price was still available. He was a projected 1st rounder before his torn pec injury. At the time of this writing I am unaware of the how much time Price is expected to miss due to his injury.
3rd Round: The Bengals will probably go Safety and another offensive lineman
4th Round: They add depth and go defensive tackle
5th Round: The Bengals will look at adding depth at cornerback, o-lineman, and defensive end
7th Round: The Bengals will look to take flyers on the best remaining running back, wide receiver, and linebacker.
Some say the Bengals will be picking around 10-10:30 PM on Thursday. Who Dey?!
Sportsinnati 