The Cincinnati Bengals keep seeing their position in the 2022 NFL draft jump, so it’s only right to take a look at a 2022 mock draft.
As expected, most mock drafts send some offensive line help to the Bengals.
One mock has the Bengals picking 16th and taking Mississippi State offensive tackle Charles Cross, courtesy of Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling:
“They could use a corner here, but nothing’s more important than protecting Joe Burrow, and Cross would be an immediate upgrade at offensive tackle opposite Jonah Williams.”
Cross, 6’5″ and 305 pounds, started 10 games at left tackle in 2020, certainly projects as a capable right tackle at the pro level.
At this point, what’s interesting about any mock for the Bengals that involves the offensive line is how things might shake up on the right side. Second-round pick Jackson Carman has been benched in favor of Hakeem Adeniji and coaches still view both guys as possible long-term starters.
Still, it’s perfectly reasonable to project a first-round tackle right now, with cornerback right up there as a top need, too.
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