The Cincinnati Bengals are obviously going with a quarterback first overall in the 2020 NFL draft.
But what if they went a different direction and repeatedly addressed a lagging defense considering the rich skill position-talent on offense?
While an all-defensive mock might be controversial to some, it’s a fun February exercise to see just how well the team could revamp the team’s most lacking unit. This was simulated via The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
1. Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
If the Bengals weren’t in the top spot, Chase Young might indeed be the top pick anyway.
While he won’t be on draft day, one could see why the Bengals are at least reportedly considering him among a few prospects. Young is this year’s Nick Bosa and would be simply unfair on the same line as Carlos Dunlap, Geno Atkins, Carl Lawson and Sam Hubbard.
33. Grant Delpit, S, LSU
It was a little surprising to see Delpit make it to No. 33, but if other teams are loading up on a deep offensive class the Bengals end up winning.
Delpit has a serious chance to become a playmaking safety at the NFL level after doing so in the SEC. His forming a tandem with Jessie Bates would be impossible not to like.
65. Kyler Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne
Don’t balk at the idea of doubling up at safety. Dugger was a standout at the Senior Bowl the Bengals happened to coach. He’s a fun, versatile weapon who could get deployed all over the place in Lou Anarumo’s multiple look.
97. Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah
Anae was another fun defender to watch at the Senior Bowl and it seems pretty clear he’s got a long career in front of him as a rotational end. There’s nothing wrong with beefing up the trenches at a good value just outside of the top 100. Call it looking at the long-term outlook beyond veterans like Carlos Dunlap.
129. David Woodward, LB, Utah State
Linebacker is often cited as the worst unit on the Cincinnati defense. Understandable, but the unit already has a core building block with Germaine Pratt. Waiting on a player like Woodward at least boosts the depth and special teams.
160. Myles Bryant, CB, Washington
The Bengals have some serious question marks at corner via Darqueze Dennard’s status as a free agent and the bloated Dre Kirkpatrick contract. Getting an upstart potential slot guy like Bryant late provides some long-term perspective.
192. Stanford Samuels III, CB, Florida State
Along those same lines, getting a bigger potential outside prospect like Samuels — who has loads of experience at a big program, just like the Bengals like — is a potential long-term boost behind a guy like Kirkpatrick.
