With free agency right around the corner (or at least we think), we’ll soon get a sense of where the Cincinnati Bengals might go in the draft. Let’s give it another go with a seven-round mock, especially now that the compensatory picks are finally out, before the new league year begins. This mock courtesy of The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine.
1. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
How much more do we really need to say about this pick? There’s almost no chance it’s going to be anyone else.
33. Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
From the LSU offense to the LSU defense. The Bengals have needed linebacker help for some time and Queen falling to this spot would be quite the scenario for the Bengals to immediately get help on both sides of the ball at positions of need from the national champions.
65. Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
Stop me if you’ve heard this before: The Bengals need help on the offensive line. And with Cordy Glenn being released, the Bengals have room among the offensive tackles. The nice thing for Cincinnati is they’ll almost have two rookies on the line, and two good players at that, with Jonah Williams returning from injury next season.
107. Kenny Willekes, Edge, Michigan State
You won’t find too many players that bust their tail more than Kenny Willekes, who went from no scholarship offers out of high school to becoming one of the best defensive players to ever play for Michigan State. The national audience got to see his motor in play during the Senior Bowl. Not a bad addition to the pass-rush group in round four.
147. Collin Johnson, WR, Texas
Joe Burrow is going to need some receivers and this is such a deep class at the position. Collin Johnson is built well and also had a fine week in Mobile, Alabama at the Senior Bowl. The depth of the position is going to allow teams to grab talents as good as Johnson here in round five.
180. Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty
We’re going to double-dip at the receiver position. Zac Taylor wants to make his offense really go with his new quarterback. AGG didn’t have the greatest of weeks at the Scouting Combine, but has plenty of good film and All-Star action to build from and is a low risk in round six.
215. Kevin Dotson, IOL, Louisiana
The Ragin’ Cajuns had a pair of strong offensive guards on their line in Robert Hunt and Kevin Dotson. For many in the draft community, Dotson was among the best players not invited to the Scouting Combine, but there is still love for his game and he may not even last this long when we actually get to the draft.
