Take this draft in a heartbeat

[Cincyfan78]

Egbuka was available also. I thought about something different with the draft by selecting him, but then with Chase and Higgins both potentially coming back under new contracts, made no sense.

Yeah, if they get both WR's signed...they're not going WR in round 1 or 2...but I could see them target a "true" slot guy in rounds 3-4-5. Yoshi is fine, but is more of an outside backup WR, who can play some slot. If they get Gesicki back, he obviously helps there, too. However, this team doesn't have a true slot guy with some speed, which is something this offense could actually use. Burton has speed, and he's likely coming back - though you can't rely on him, he's an outside guy too...so, it makes sense to me that the Bengals may look to add someone here - and also to hedge against Burton so, there is a bit more need for depth.

Could also be a F/A - 1 year deal for someone looking to benefit off playing with Burrow for a year to cash in next off-season.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

Yeah, if they get both WR's signed...they're not going WR in round 1 or 2...but I could see them target a "true" slot guy in rounds 3-4-5. Yoshi is fine, but is more of an outside backup WR, who can play some slot. If they get Gesicki back, he obviously helps there, too. However, this team doesn't have a true slot guy with some speed, which is something this offense could actually use. Burton has speed, and he's likely coming back - though you can't rely on him, he's an outside guy too...so, it makes sense to me that the Bengals may look to add someone here - and also to hedge against Burton so, there is a bit more need for depth.

Could also be a F/A - 1 year deal for someone looking to benefit off playing with Burrow for a year to cash in next off-season.

I was looking at Tez on CBS Sports Prospect Rankings and they have Johnson listed at the 163rd prospect. #16 WR in the draft class. Bond is ranked 69th, and #6 WR in the class. Based on those numbers alone, you could maybe expect to get Johnson in the 5th or 6th rounds.

 

[Cincyfan78]

I was looking at Tez on CBS Sports Prospect Rankings and they have Johnson listed at the 163rd prospect. #16 WR in the draft class. Bond is ranked 69th, and #6 WR in the class. Based on those numbers alone, you could maybe expect to get Johnson in the 5th or 6th rounds.

One of the reasons is because Tez is a pure slot. He's not going to play outside in the NFL outside of some rare instances. Bond is a bit of a tweener, IMO...I'm not sold on him being a pure outside guy, but I'm not sure he's a slot guy either. He's intriguing, for sure....but if Tez were sitting there in round 4-5...I'd look hard at him there depending on what is filled in F/A plus in rounds 1-3, of course.

 

[Cincyfan78]

To keep this in one place - but to counter Crash's mock in the other thread with the Pearce in round 1...

If Grant and Nolen are both gone in round 1 - I could still see them likely Harmon a lot...he's a guy that was at Mich. St, but that program is a wreck - once he got to Oregon, he really shined this last year. Another guy that would not only help in the run, but would add the ability to pressure the QB from the DT spot. Pick up a DE in round 2, and then look for best guys available in round 3+...maybe OL, maybe LB, could be a slot WR to add to the offense...or Safety...we'll see...

 

[Cincyfan78]

The signing of TJ Slaton takes DT off the early rounds of the board, most likely...focus becomes DE/LB/OG

 

[Cincyfan78]

Same as above, but when with the Arz OT in round 3. I think he's a bit under valued here in the grading. He was an all-american freshman at Guard before moving to OT. He's a upper graded pass-pro with massive size for IOL. Plug him next to Mims and you have a monster wall on the right side of the line. Plus, he also has OT versatility - which is an added bonus.

 

[Cincyfan78]

continuing the draft stuff here to keep it in 1 place - but replying to @CrashDavisSports last post in another thread....obviously the grade on this one is a bit down because of where I took Banks, ideal world would drop back and grab him in late round 1 while adding a 3rd rounder at least.

Thought here is - Banks is a guy that might be a fringe/good OT, but his shorter arms plug him at Guard, and that's a good spot for him. Adding a 1st round talent with OT versatility is usually a good sign when taking an OL in round 1. If the Bengals could drop back and grab him, I would look for something like this - but also an additional pick with a 3rd rounder coming back for the trade (but I don't pay PFF so I can do trades).

Collins adds a guy who will profile at DT, but has some pass rush to him as he was used at DE in Texas. Would be an ideal rush DT as he develops - and as a multiple sport athlete has the athleticism to be in the middle and move.

LB Paul would give the Bengals a coverage LB with speed and processing. Doesn't miss tackles. Would allow them to move on from Pratt if they wanted to, of to deploy Pratt/Paul combo on passing downs where maybe Pratt moves to more of the middle LB role (though Wilson has been good in pass coverage and INT's here, so...).

There would be a 3rd round pick to add for trading back (in my dream world) in getting Collins, so this could be a spot they could add another edge or, I think, they look IOL and maybe grab Ratlege or the kid from WVU. Kid from WVU is, again, a guy who played OT but likely could profile much better at IOL and would give you multiple options in terms of versatility in case of injury.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Also - I like Prince at DE, but he profiles to an OLB/DE in a 3-4 as he's only 6'2...traditionally speaking, and since Golden seems to be very similar in this, Bengals take DE's that are no less than 6'4, and usually have above average arm length...

 

[CrashDavisSports]

continuing the draft stuff here to keep it in 1 place - but replying to @CrashDavisSports last post in another thread....obviously the grade on this one is a bit down because of where I took Banks, ideal world would drop back and grab him in late round 1 while adding a 3rd rounder at least.

Thought here is - Banks is a guy that might be a fringe/good OT, but his shorter arms plug him at Guard, and that's a good spot for him. Adding a 1st round talent with OT versatility is usually a good sign when taking an OL in round 1. If the Bengals could drop back and grab him, I would look for something like this - but also an additional pick with a 3rd rounder coming back for the trade (but I don't pay PFF so I can do trades).

Collins adds a guy who will profile at DT, but has some pass rush to him as he was used at DE in Texas. Would be an ideal rush DT as he develops - and as a multiple sport athlete has the athleticism to be in the middle and move.

LB Paul would give the Bengals a coverage LB with speed and processing. Doesn't miss tackles. Would allow them to move on from Pratt if they wanted to, of to deploy Pratt/Paul combo on passing downs where maybe Pratt moves to more of the middle LB role (though Wilson has been good in pass coverage and INT's here, so...).

There would be a 3rd round pick to add for trading back (in my dream world) in getting Collins, so this could be a spot they could add another edge or, I think, they look IOL and maybe grab Ratlege or the kid from WVU. Kid from WVU is, again, a guy who played OT but likely could profile much better at IOL and would give you multiple options in terms of versatility in case of injury.

View attachment 392259

I guess I provided the draft in the other one because I was starting a post regarding Stewart and his combine numbers, along with what I think is our need now, how it relates to best player available, and how it would be the most logical pick and why. That then evolved into me going to PFF / Mock and seeing how thigs fell. Starks was one of my backup picks to Stewart, along with Williams of Georgia. When the mock fell to me like I posted over there, I found a new train of thought on draft approach. Apologize for breaking the consistency.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

I could see the Bengals also going with 2 guards in the first 3 rounds too.

I agree with you on S Emmanwori. At his size and speed, with his instincts, he could be the next big safety in the NFL. I could definitely see the Bengals taking him at #17, slotting be damned. He is still considered a 1st round pick, just probably lower half of 1st.

 

[Cincyfan78]

I could see the Bengals also going with 2 guards in the first 3 rounds too.

I agree with you on S Emmanwori. At his size and speed, with his instincts, he could be the next big safety in the NFL. I could definitely see the Bengals taking him at #17, slotting be damned. He is still considered a 1st round pick, just probably lower half of 1st.

Agreed - just saying with the contracts going out, and the need to hit on more draft picks - I think anytime you can trade back and pick up an extra 2nd/3rd/4th round pick (2nd or 3rd if trading back in the 1st) they need to look at it. Unless someone falls to you that you absolutely love, and fits the need. But, if you have a group of 3-4 guys that all kind of fit the "We like him, we could use him here, and we see him as an impact year 1 guy" - I have no qualms about dropping back, letting the draft play out a bit more to see what happens while picking up an additional/controllable asset that also may be a solid piece to the long-term puzzle.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

Agreed - just saying with the contracts going out, and the need to hit on more draft picks - I think anytime you can trade back and pick up an extra 2nd/3rd/4th round pick (2nd or 3rd if trading back in the 1st) they need to look at it. Unless someone falls to you that you absolutely love, and fits the need. But, if you have a group of 3-4 guys that all kind of fit the "We like him, we could use him here, and we see him as an impact year 1 guy" - I have no qualms about dropping back, letting the draft play out a bit more to see what happens while picking up an additional/controllable asset that also may be a solid piece to the long-term puzzle.

I am all for that, but where do you think Emmanwori slots. You think you can pick up and extra 2nd by going back to 24? Emmanwori at pick 24 and two 2nd rounders would be nice, because I think Ratledge is going to swell into the second round, not stay pat for the 3rd. I think he has improved his stock quite a bit. That DE Jared Ivey looks interesting too. I think he is a mid - late 2nd rounder. I don't know how picks 24th, have no idea if they would even trade up, I picked a trade down slot I felt would have been worth their 2nd.

#24 - S Emmanwori
#49 - OG Ratledge
Trade: DE Ivey
#81 - CB Porter

 

[cincygrad]

I'm not drafting a point guard in round 3. We have other needs.

 

[Cincyfan78]

I am all for that, but where do you think Emmanwori slots. You think you can pick up and extra 2nd by going back to 24? Emmanwori at pick 24 and two 2nd rounders would be nice, because I think Ratledge is going to swell into the second round, not stay pat for the 3rd. I think he has improved his stock quite a bit. That DE Jared Ivey looks interesting too. I think he is a mid - late 2nd rounder. I don't know how picks 24th, have no idea if they would even trade up, I picked a trade down slot I felt would have been worth their 2nd.

#24 - S Emmanwori
#49 - OG Ratledge
Trade: DE Ivey
#81 - CB Porter

May not get a 2nd, but should get a 3rd dropping back 7 slots...would be a good move. I could get on board with that. Not sure on Ivey though - if you go and look at his win% against true pass sets, it's pretty bad. I'm higher on the kid from LSU...big time in the win% against true pass sets and still developing. Should have a high floor, but a solid ceiling as well.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

I'm not drafting a point guard in round 3. We have other needs.

Why not? As a corner back, they are literally guarding against giving up points, therefore, point guard. Simple math.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

3 Round Bengals Mock Draft

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