The Cincinnati Bengals have done a lot in free agency to firm up one of their biggest holes on the roster. But have they done enough? They still have several spots worthy of an upgrade.
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: Logan Hall, EDGE/DL, Houston
The Cincinnati Bengals have to replace over 700 snaps of interior pass-rushing with the free agency loss of Larry Ogunjobi. Enter Logan Hall, a player with a great first step and really good size. Hall also offers the versatility to play on multiple defensive fronts.Â
If one of the top interior offensive linemen falls (Tyler Linderbaum, Zion Johnson, etc.), I think the Bengals would be in on them. I also believe they would consider one of the next tiers of corners and/or a potential trade out of the first round.
Other players considered:Â Kyler Gordon (CB/Washington), Roger McCreary (CB/Auburn), Lewis Cine (S/Georgia)
2-63: Trey McBride, CB, Colorado State
The Bengals signed Hayden Hurst to essentially a one-year prove it deal this offseason. They also don’t have any other tight ends under contract beyond this season. Hurst is going to rarely be inline and Drew Sample will rarely be asked to catch a pass. The Bengals need to add a tight end who can both.
McBride caught over 90 passes in 2021 and is a strong blocker. If he is available at pick 63 the Bengals should pull the trigger.Â
Other players considered:Â Myjai Sanders (EDGE/Cincinnati), Josh Paschal (EDGE/Kentucky), Tariq Woolen (CB/UTSA)
3-95: Zyon McCollum, CB, Sam Houston State
With Eli Apple slated to start opposite Chidobe Awuzie to begin the season, the Bengals need to look to develop another outside corner. Why not take a chance on the most athletic cornerback to ever test. Zyon McCollum still needs some skill refinement but you can’t teach his length and speed.
Other players considered:Â Bryan Cook (S/Cincinnati), Nick Cross (S/Maryland), Deangelo Malone (EDGE/Western Kentucky), Alex Wright (EDGE/UAB)
4-134: Amare Barno, EDGE, Virginia Tech
The Bengals need to add some speedy pass rush off of the edge as well. Barno ran a blistering 4.36 forty at the Combine with a 1.49 ten-yard split. The other tests were also kind to Barno. There is some concern as to why his production dropped off in 2021. But whomever you select on day three is going to have some warts about them.
Other players considered:Â Isaiah Thomas (EDGE/Oklahoma), Tycen Andersen (S/Toledo), Bo Melton (WR/Rutgers), Matt Waletzko (OT/North Dakota)
5-173: Sterling Weatherford, S, Miami (OH)
Weatherford is a versatile defender. He was like a laser-guided missile on most plays for the Redhawks. Weatherford played exclusively at linebacker during the week of practice at the Senior Bowl. And he took to it like he was born to play it. Weatherford is 6’4″ 220-pounds. He tested well at his pro day (he wasn’t invited to the Combine). Weatherford will be a solid reserve on defense early on but will be a core special teams player.
Other players considered:Â Makai Polk (WR/Mississippi State), Kyle Phillips (WR/UCLA)
6-207: Makai Polk, WR, Mississippi State
Other players considered:Â Isaac Taylor-Stuart (CB/Southern Cal), Chance Campbell (LB/Mississippi)
7-223: Nick Zakelj, G, Fordham
Other players considered: Isaac Taylor-Stuart (CB/Southern Cal), Jake Camarda (P/Georgia)
7-249: Curtis Brooks, DL, Cincinnati
Other players considered: Jordan Stout (P/Penn State), Cal Adomitis (LS/Pittsburgh)