The Cincinnati Bengals shocked the NFL world this year by making a run to Super Bowl LVI. However, you do not have to be an expert in the field to see why they came up a little short.
The Bengals have to address the offensive line and add a few more pass rushers in the offseason. How will it all play out? They have eight draft picks (as of today) in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Using the Mock Draft simulator from NFL Mock Draft Database. For this simulation, I used the consensus big board accumulated by NFL MDD, with the realistic draft mode setting.
Let’s see how it plays out.
CINCINNATI BENGALS: 7-ROUND MOCK DRAFT
1-31: Zion Johnson, G, Boston College
Zion Johnson is a versatile blocker. Johnson played guard at BC but manned the center spot all week at the Senior Bowl. He is a strong and punishing football player. Johnson has the dedication and demeanor teams will love. He would be an immediate upgrade at any of the three interior spots on the Bengals’ offensive line.
2-63: Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
Woolen at 6’3″ 208-pounds. The Roadrunner has a 79″ wingspan and was one of the fastest players at the Senior Bowl, hitting nearly 22 mph with GPS tracking. Woolen is a great cover man, especially in the red zone. With Trae Waynes likely getting released and Eli Apple a free agent, the Cincinnati Bengals will be in the market for a new corner.
3-95: Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina
C.J. Uzomah is a free agent. Although, I expect him to re-sign. Drew Sample is useless in the passing game. The Bengals need to get more athletic at the position. Enter Isaiah Likely. The Chanticleer TE is a seam stretcher. Likely has great hands and nice burst. He is rapidly improving as a blocker. Likely may not be available at 95 on April 29th. However, if he is, Isaiah Likely adds another weapon for Joe Burrow.
How do you feel about Isaiah Likely as a charger? @Chargers_Union @DotsNCuts pic.twitter.com/IZLdEq43fm
— captain save-a-blunt (@certainlyfucked) February 17, 2022
4-134: Dominique Robinson, EDGE, Miami (OH)
Robinson was recruited to Miami (OH) as a wide receiver. He flashes that athleticism when you see him rush the passer. You also will get enamored with his length. Robinson has an 82″ wingspan. He is still a bit of a project but one that could pay dividends for Cincinnati quickly.
5-173: Matt Araiza, P, San Diego State
Hats off to Kevin Huber who has put in a great career in the Queen City. However, the time has come to move on. After drafting the only kicker a year ago in the 5th round, it’s time to draft the “Punt God”! Matt Araiza bombing punts in Paul Brown Stadium will be a sight to behold.
PUNT GOD MATT ARAIZA with a 79-yard punt. From the 12-yard line to the 1 on the fly. Cameraman clearly wasn’t expecting it to go that far.
It’s his 15th 60-yard punt of the season, which breaks the all-time record (and SDSU still has 4+ games to go) pic.twitter.com/5fojhHniA7— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) November 7, 2021
THE REST OF THE DRAFT
6-207: Eric Johnson, DL, Missouri State
7-223: Keir Thomas, DL, Florida State
7-249: Damarion Williams, CB, Houston