The Cincinnati Bengals have an advantage going into the 2020 NFL draft thanks to a spot coaching at the Senior Bowl near the end of January.
Before that gets underway — and before we know if Joe Burrow will be at the Senior Bowl — let’s look at a three-round mock that unfolded via The Draft Network’s mock draft machine and predictive board.
No. 1 – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Who else? Joe Burrow’s leap this year has been one of the most memorable in history for a college quarterback. He’s got a good enough arm and perhaps more importantly, the improv ability and mobility to extend plays while keeping his eyes downfield. He’s done his damage in the SEC both through the air and on the ground when necessary, which is a critical thing to consider when trying to project his game to the pro level. And looking beyond the field, there’s little chance the Bengals miss the fan hype and attendance via bringing the Ohio kid home. He’s a lock.
No. 33 – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Maybe offensive line isn’t the first need that comes to mind for Bengals fans but it’s hard to complain about Becton, a 6’7″, 369-pound tackle with a mean streak in the running game and nice passing-game traits. The Bengals still have Jonah Williams coming back for left tackle and like what they’ve seen with Fred Johnson, but it’s no excuse for neglect when bringing on a rookie passer. Even if Becton moves someone else inside to guard, the Bengals can’t not take the unit seriously after years and years of misses.
No. 65 – Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
Dye ended up being one of the best players available on the predictive board by the time this pick rolled around so he’s the call. The Bengals might have something really good with Germaine Pratt and Nick Vigil started improving late in the season (but he’s a free agent). But like the offensive line, the Bengals can’t keep pretending what they’ve done over the last few years for the unit has been close to good enough. Dye is a wicked athlete with coverage traits who has big upside, making him an ideal solution to the problems against running backs and tight ends in the passing game.
