The quiet before training camp in NFL land tends to figure fun, distracting things like 2022 NFL mock drafts.
And they’re especially interesting for the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals could choose to go a ton of different ways in the first round of the 2022 draft. Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report, though, sends the team in a predictable route with Alabama’s Evan Neal at fourth overall:
“His actual level of performance shouldn’t be overlooked. Neal’s 12 big-time blocks are second-most in a season by a right tackle since Pro Football Focus started tracking the data. He also graded fourth among Power Five offensive tackles a year ago.”
And hey — predictable is a very, very good thing when considering the above. Also keep in mind Neal has done this damage in the competitive SEC and happens to check in at 6’7″, 360 pounds.
Even if Riley Reiff provides a massive boost next season at right tackle, the Bengals probably shouldn’t hesitate to grab Neal. They’ll still need a long-term plan at tackle and the idea is to fully eliminate a position need that has plagued the franchise for years.
