The Cincinnati Bengals are hard at work at the 2020 NFL combine.
While the Bengals go through the paces there — and they’re way ahead of last year’s free-agency process — it seems like a good time to fire up another mock draft. We already looked at an all-defensive seven-round mock draft.
Here’s another mock before player workouts begin. This was simulated via The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
1. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
There’s no reason to go any other way. Reports said Burrow crushed his interview with the Bengals. Then more reports said it.
Burrow, coming off one of the best seasons by a passer in history, has said he’d like to play for the Bengals. Jordan Palmer says Burrow might be a better pro than he was a collegiate player.
While an option like Tua Tagovailoa might have some allure, and trading down might seem like a good idea, 90 percent of the teams in the league would take Burrow in Cincinnati’s position, too.
33. Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
It was borderline shocking to see Queen available here at No. 33 to start the second round.
Rest assured the Bengals would submit the pick in a hurry.
Queen has already met with the Bengals. He’s an elite prospect who can play all three downs thanks to his strong skill set in coverage. He’d fit right in with Lou Anarumo’s multiple look.
Best of all? Queen would make for a stellar longtime partner next to Germaine Pratt, solving a big problem.
65. Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
While the Bengals might not waste any time slapping a tag on A.J. Green and still want to get something out of John Ross, nothing is guaranteed at wideout besides Tyler Boyd.
With that in mind, taking a falling wideout in one of the deepest wideout classes in recent memory seems like a solid idea. Mims is a big 6’3″ target who put up more than 1,000 yards twice and scored 12 times last year.
Other needs persist, but it’s hard not to think of Mims as short-term insurance and a long-term potential starter.
