The Cincinnati Bengals officially have the first pick in the 2020 NFL draft, which can only mean one thing:
It’s mock draft season.
While a bit early, a mock does a few things. One — it nets the Bengals a can’t-miss prospect at No. 1. Two — it gives a better idea of where the team might look at the top of the second rounds and beyond. Here’s a first pass.
Round 1 (1): Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Some might clamor for Chase Young here but ask teams like Houston how elite defenders held up against Lamar Jackson this year (hint — a 41-7 loss). Defensive ends who can create pressure are important…but the Bengals have those. They also do business differently than most by largely ignoring free agency, something only an elite quarterback prospect can overcome. That’s Burrow, the Athens, Ohio native who just won the Heisman Trophy on the back of nearly 5,000 yards and 50 scores with single-digit picks. He’s one of the best passers to enter the draft in years and anything else is silly at this point.
Round 2 (33): Laviska Shenault, Jr., WR, Colorado
Franchise passer in hand, the next task is beefing up the offense around Joe Burrow as quickly as possible. Backs and tight ends boast respectable depth and the offensive line has slowly improved this year, leaving wideout as a red flag. Minus Tyler Boyd, the unit doesn’t have enough guaranteed consistency. Laviska Shenault can change that. The 6’2″ big-play artist could slip to the top of Round 2, which means the Bengals get a player who has tallied nearly 2,000 receiving yards with 10 total scores over the past two years. Call it must-have A.J. Green insurance.
Round 3 (65): Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
At this point, it’s a case of best-player available mixed with need. The line needs bodies to push the struggling members of the unit and most won’t get more push than the 6’7″, 360-pound Mekhi Becton. That’s a mauler of a right tackle to compete with Bobby Hart, though he’s also got some savvy footwork coaches can develop in pass protection.
