Cincinnati Bengals 7-round mock draft: The post-combine edition

With the extensive NFL combine process in the books, now seems like a good time to revisit a seven-round mock draft for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Granted, the most important aspects of the combine seems to be medicals and interviews. But a mock serves as a good way to review every aspect of the year-round process.

This was simulated via The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.

 

1. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Feb 25, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Burrow’s the guy. He’s been the guy for a long time, maybe even stretching back to when the Bengals just had to see what they have in Ryan Finley after benching Andy Dalton.

Burrow wants to play with A.J. Green. Most importantly, he shuttered any silly speculation about not wanting to play for his hometown team.

33. Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

Dec 28, 2019; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Patrick Queen (8) reacts during the second quarter of the 2019 Peach Bowl college football playoff semifinal game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

It was really hard to ignore some top offensive tackles and a wideout by the name of Denzel Mims here.

But Queen is just too good.

A versatile, athletic presence who can make an impact right away, Queen would look great as the other starter alongside Germaine Pratt and go a long way toward fixing a longstanding problem.

65. Joshua Uche, EDGE, Michigan

Nov 23, 2019; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Peyton Ramsey (12) is sacked by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Josh Uche (6) during the second half of the game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

An edge rusher might not be the biggest need in Cincinnati. But it’s really hard to complain about getting Uche, a prospect with high upside who can otherwise make an impact right away by rushing the passer from multiple spots rotationally. The ability to move Uche around fits Lou Anarumo’s base 3-4/multiple look well and gives some long-term promise behind veterans like Carlos Dunlap.

97. Thaddeus Moss, TE, LSU

Feb 25, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Louisiana State tight end Thaddeus Moss (TE10) speaks to the media during the 2020 NFL Combine in the Indianapolis Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Operation “surround Joe Burrow with as much talent as possible” is in full-go here.

Moss is one of many names in a deep tight end class this year. But the fact he played alongside Burrow, stems from a big program (which the Bengals often emphasize) and his namesake alone sure don’t hurt.

Even if the Bengals elect to bring back Tyler Eifert again, Moss is a future-minded move to grow alongside the new franchise passer.

129. Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame

Feb 27, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Chase Claypool (WO08) catches a pass during a workout drill during the 2020 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Hello. 

Does Claypool actually fall this far?

The Notre Dame star blew up the combine with a 6’4″, 238-pound measurement before blazing a 4.42-second time in the 40-yard dash with 19 reps on the bench press.

While some will point out Claypool needs time to develop, who is going to complain about a prospect who measured in rare Calvin Johnson territory?

Notre Dame WR Chase Claypool ran a 4.42 40 at 6'4 1/4'' and 238 lbs.

Since the start of 2006, the only WR weighing 230+ lbs to run the 40 that fast at the NFL Combine is Calvin Johnson (4.35 in 2007). pic.twitter.com/CgeASUrqdQ

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 28, 2020

160. Antoine Brooks Jr., S, Maryland

Oct 27, 2018; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive back Antoine Brooks Jr. (25) leads his teammates on the field before the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Quietly, the Bengals need more talent in the defensive secondary. Shawn Williams is passable next to Jessie Bates but Darqueze Dennard is a free agent and William Jackson could be one soon.

Brooks isn’t starter material if he’s falling to 160. But he’s the sort of chess piece coaches can deploy situationally as soon as possible, besides the special-teams boon.

192. Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU

Nov 23, 2019; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Jacob Phillips (6) reacts to a play against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Some will point to a lack of offensive linemen here and that’s fair — here’s to hoping the team spends in free agency.

Linebacker is arguably a bigger problem in Cincinnati so the complete remake of the unit continues with Phillips here. Another big-time LSU player, he’s at least a smart add for special teams while he develops as an every-down defender.