My 2017 Mock Draft (one week away edition)

[Be Weary of Query]

1st Round – 9th Overall Pick: Leonard Fournette (RB) LSU

Jeremy Hill said a few days ago that he has had “the best offseason he’s ever had”. Well, I see better than I hear. Gio is a wild card coming off an ACL and Burkhead is a Pat. The Bengals HAVE to have a run game this year, especially to mask their pass block deficiencies...I’m looking at you Ogbuehi. Fournette being here at #9 is too good to pass up. He’s been touted as the best RB prospect since Adrian Peterson. Real good chance he doesn’t get past the Panthers but I will put him here and make him a Bengal if he does get to #9.



2nd Round – 41st Overall Pick: Jarrad Davis (LB) Florida

In my one month away mock, I had the Bengals taking Reuben Foster at #9 overall and a RB (Kamara) at this pick. Still have the focus on upgrading the LB core early on and especially with Burfict going into a contract year it will be needed. He is an OLB who can take Dansby's spot.



3rd Round – 73rd Overall Pick: Tarell Basham (DE) Ohio

No need to be repetitive. Bengals have to find a pass rush. Michael Johnson is not getting it done. Basham can rotate in right away.



4th Round – 116th Overall Pick: Jaleel Johnson (DT) Iowa

Need depth with Peko in Denver and Billings, Thompson with injury concerns and Hardison never getting out of Training Camp without ending up on IR.


4th Round – 137th Overall Pick: Corn Elder (CB) Miami

No change on this pick from prior mock


5th Round – 153rd Overall Pick: Nazir Jones (DE/DT) North Carolina

Fits the Bengals mold of being able to play multiple spots on the D line. More depth and another chance for someone to take the ‘sack the QB’ position.



5th Round – 176th Overall Pick: Erik Magnuson (OT) Michigan

I have reluctantly cooled on a high pick at OT since we are riding or dying with Ogbuehi and Fisher on the starting line. This is a pick that can serve as depth but he more than likely will be on the interior in the NFL. Need depth there as well.

Erik Magnuson (Michigan OL) vs Ohio State 2016

6th Round – 193rd Overall Pick: Zane Gonzalez (K) Arizona State

Best Kicker in the Draft. Competes with Randy Bullock. Yeah…

Zane Gonzalez (Arizona State PK) 2016


6th round – 217th Overall Pick: Matt Milano (LB) Boston College

Late round pick who will more than likely be a special teamer. Had him at the 193rd pick in my prior mock.


7th Round – 227th Overall Pick: Damore’ea Stringfellow (WR) Ole Miss

Dipping into the Mississippi well again with a late round WR pick. 1st year will likely mirror Cody Core from the year prior. Lots of inactive next to his name.

Ultimate Damore'ea Stringfellow Highlights |Ole Miss Wide Reciever|


7th Round – 251st Overall Pick: Josh Boutte (G) LSU

Round out the picks with someone whom Fournette is familiar with. Depth.


Undrafted FA priority: Safety, WR, LB, O line, D line

 

[cincygrad]

Idiot.

 

[cincygrad]

I wouldn't be opposed to Fournette..... We need to move on from Hill - He's just not that good.

 

[Tubbs1518]

I don't the Bengals will or should wait till the 3rd for a pass rusher. It's the biggest need on the team. I also don't think they will or should take a LB before a pass rusher. I'd honestly be surprised if they took a LB before round 4. They have Burfict, like Vigil, signed Minter and like Rey. I doubt a rookie LB even sees the field outside ST.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

I don't the Bengals will or should wait till the 3rd for a pass rusher. It's the biggest need on the team. I also don't think they will or should take a LB before a pass rusher. I'd honestly be surprised if they took a LB before round 4. They have Burfict, like Vigil, signed Minter and like Rey. I doubt a rookie LB even sees the field outside ST.

I thought the Bengals mantra for the draft was best player on the board no matter the position unless it is a QB?

 

[DanBengalfan]

I thought the Bengals mantra for the draft was best player on the board no matter the position unless it is a QB?

what they consider the best player and what everyone else considers the best player...

 

[CrashDavisSports]

what they consider the best player and what everyone else considers the best player...

That is true, but they don't draft based on need, supposedly. What I have seen, that pretty much holds true most the time.