Mock draft season is alive and well ahead of the combine, though the only mocks that might interest Cincinnati Bengals fans are ones that go past the first round.
Luckily for those fans, Luke Easterling of Draft Wire just dropped a four-round mock. Let’s run through those selections and drop analysis for each pick.
Round 1: Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
Easterling wrote:
This has seemed like a foregone conclusion for so long, that we’re starting to get to the point in the process where rumors and speculation start to swirl to the contrary. Don’t buy into the boredom; Burrow has always been the guy for the Bengals, and that’s not going to change between now and draft day.
Breakdown: No-brainer here. The pre-draft narratives have run wild while national outlets need content but the Bengals are facing the same speculation other teams picking No. 1 have faced. Burrow is the pick.
Round 2: Patrick Queen | LB | LSU
Breakdown: It doesn’t get any better than this. Queen is a high-upside prospect the Bengals can use all over the field in Lou Anarumo’s multiple front. With Germaine Pratt already showing promise, Queen would be another strong step toward a modern linebacking core that can keep up with today’s NFL and win matchups.
Round 3: Lucas Niang | OT | TCU
Breakdown: The Bengals need to add help in the trenches at some point. Jonah Williams is coming back to play left tackle but both guard spots and right tackle could use competition and potential upgrades. Niang isn’t necessarily a big name, but he’d fit the needs.
Round 4: Nick Harris | OL | Washington
Breakdown: Again, the Bengals need to add bodies in the trenches. This isn’t necessarily about a lack of talent as much as it is continuing to turn over the depth chart with guys the new coaching staff wants and fits their mold. With guys like former first-round pick Billy Price in limbo, more bodies mean a better chance of fielding a competitive unit.
