Day 3 mock draft: Bengals upgrade line in front of Joe Burrow in Rounds 4-7

The Cincinnati Bengals threw a bit of a curveball with the first pick of the second day of the draft. While many thought it would be an offensive tackle or perhaps a defensive lineman, Cincinnati chose to add a wide receiver for Joe Burrow. But it wasn’t Baylor WR Denzel Mims, who was regarded as the top receiver on the board. Instead, it was Clemson WR Tee Higgins.

They then came back in Round 3 and addressed the linebacker position with Logan Wilson of Wyoming, a tackling machine in college. So the interesting note is that they have not addressed the offensive line yet, especially considering Josh Jones fell all the way to No. 72 to the Arizona Cardinals.

So with all that in mind, let’s see what the Bengals can potentially do in the final day of the draft. Here’s a day three mock draft.

 

No. 107 – Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn

Sep 9, 2017; Clemson, SC, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Prince Tega Wanogho (76) lines up during the game against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals find an offensive tackle that could have went early in Round 3 still available to begin Round 4. Wanogho can start as a swing tackle before eventually sliding into Bobby Hart’s spot at right tackle.

No. 147 – Kenny Willekes, Edge, Michigan State

Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes celebrates a play against Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson during the second half at Spartan Stadium, October 20, 2018.Kenny Willekes, Shea Patterson, MSU vs U-M

The Bengals were thought to be looking at defensive edge help, perhaps even at the start of day two, with A.J. Epenesa and Yetur Gross-Matos on the board. Willekes at the top of Round 5 is a nice find. His motor keeps on churning. He’s not the flashiest player on the field, but his attitude is top-notch and he’d fit in pretty nicely in the pass-rush rotation for Cincinnati.

No. 180 – Ben Bredeson, OL, Michigan

Michigan’s Ben Bredeson and Ohio State’s Jonathon Cooper push each other after a play ends at Michigan Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. Ohio State defeated Michigan, 56-27.Michigan Ohio State rivalry, Michigan fight

The Bengals still need to address the interior of the offensive line as well and Bredeson would provide a lot of power in the run game and help open holes for Joe Mixon and Gio Bernard. Four years as a starter at Michigan is nothing to sneeze at and this is good value at the top of Round 6.

No. 215 – Jacob Breeland, TE, Oregon

Sep 7, 2019; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Jacob Breeland (27) runs towards the end zone for a touchdown Nevada Wolf Pack in the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals will probably soon look to replace C.J. Uzomah and we know Drew Sample isn’t doing that anytime soon. Injuries hurt Breeland in 2019, limiting him to just six games. But he caught six total touchdowns in those six games. He’s a good, versatile tight end with good hands. If he can stay healthy, he’ll become a nice checkdown option for Joe Burrow and help open up the field a bit for the likely trio of A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins.