Cincinnati Bengals 7-round mock draft, post-Senior Bowl

With the Senior Bowl officially in the books, the draft eyes now turn their focus to Indianapolis and the Scouting Combine. It’s also a good time for a fresh mock draft for the Cincinnati Bengals after they’ve had the chance to work with about 60 prospects throughout the week in Mobile.

 

1. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Jan 13, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) against the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff national championship game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, the Bengals just spent all week with Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert. But the odds still favor the Bengals taking the Heisman winner with the first pick and for good reason. Burrow didn’t have much to gain being in Mobile. There will be narratives that Herbert increased his chances to be the pick after this week, but Burrow is still likely on his way to Cincinnati.

33. Josh Jones, OT, Houston

Houston’s Josh Jones (70) blocks as the North squad runs drills during practice for the Senior Bowl Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Jones raised his stock in Mobile with a fine week and looks the part of a dominating tackle. This would basically give the Bengals two rookie offensive tackles, both with excellent abilities, with Jonah Williams also coming back after missing his rookie season.

65. Van Jefferson, WR, Florida

Dec 30, 2019; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Virginia Cavaliers cornerback Nick Grant (1) tackles Florida Gators wide receiver Van Jefferson (12) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Jefferson was one of the smoothest route-runners this week at the Senior Bowl and arguably the best overall. With the status of A.J. Green up in the air, the Bengals need a go-to receiver with Tyler Boyd. And if Green does come back, that gives Burrow a tremendous three-receiver set.

97. Kyle Dugger, DB, Lenior-Rhyne

Lenoir Rhyne’s Kyle Dugger works out for scouts as the South squad runs drills during practice for the Senior Bowl Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

There’s a reason Dugger was at the Senior Bowl. He’s very good. He can move around the secondary and play some nickel corner or eventually replace Shawn Williams to give the Bengals an athletic tandem of Dugger and Jessie Bates. Dugger also showed ability as a returner during the Senior Bowl.

129. Ben Bredeson, OL, Michigan

Jan 22, 2020; Mobile, Alabama, USA; North defensive lineman McTelvin Agim of Arkansas (91) works through a drill against North offensive guard Ben Bredeson of Michigan (74) during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals had major issues in 2019 on the interior offensive line, going back and forth with Michael Jordan and Billy Price. Bredeson can play both guard and center and is an immediate upgrade on both players.

160. Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State

Jan 21, 2020; Mobile, AL, USA; South running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn of Vanderbilt (5) dives for a catch while sparring with South outside linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither of Appalachian State (26) during Senior Bowl practice. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Davis-Gaither was extremely productive at Appalachian State, can provide linebacker depth and add value on special teams. He’s another player who had a good week in Mobile.

192. Carter Coughlin, Edge, Minnesota

Oct 5, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Carter Coughlin (45) pressures Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Brandon Peters (18) in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Coughlin flew under the radar for a while but flashed some upside as a rotational pass-rusher during the Senior Bowl. You can never have too many edge rushers and Coughlin would be able to slide in behind Carlos Dunlap and Sam Hubbard.