Final Bengals 7-round mock draft

Draft Day has arrived!

NFL Draft Day has arrived, and the Cincinnati Bengals’ first pick will come with the 17th overall selection.

Last year was a bit different than this year. It was rather obvious the Bengals were leaning towards an offensive lineman when the team selected Amarius Mims out of Georgia.

This year is a bit different. The team is desperate in some areas and could simply use some depth in other spots.

When looking through it, some people prefer the best players available, and others are more determined to get certain positions. How about we combine both?

There are certain players that you just can’t skip over. Sam Hubbard is gone, Trey Hendrickson is dealing with contract negotiations, and the remaining edge rushers have yet to show they can produce at a high level for a winning defense.

Despite adding free agents in both spots, the Bengals’ priority should once again be on both lines. Next, it’s a toss-up in the secondary and at linebacker. You can’t go wrong with cornerback, safety or linebacker. All three have solid guys there but almost no depth.

When you look at the prospects this year, there’s a ton of depth on the defensive side of the ball versus the offensive side. It just depends on who’s there at No. 17.

With all that said, let’s dive into our final mock draft here at Cincy Jungle as Draft Day arrives!

Round 1, Pick 17: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

Yes, I understand I said there’s more depth on defense than offense, but you have to look at where the Bengals’ biggest priorities are. You can’t pass on this guy.

This year, he is my no doubter guy. He is a grade-A solution to a huge problem the Bengals have. IF he is there at 17, go get him.

Round 2, Pick 49: T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina

Again, you can’t pass on certain priorities.

There may be more depth on the defensive side of the ball, and you could get a defensive tackle later on, but you need big guys up front who can hold their own. The Bengals got beat up and pushed around last year. They need help in the middle, and they’re going to get it.

Round 3, Pick 81: Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary

Finally, the Bengals get Joe Burrow some more help up front. They also get the big offensive lineman in the third to give Scott Peters, the new offensive line coach, some more depth.

Round 4, Pick 119: Billy Bowman, Jr., S, Oklahoma

There were a lot of inconsistencies in the secondary last year. That must get cleaned up. Bowman gives them a bit more stability.

Round 5, Pick 153: Dylan Fairchild, C/G, Georgia

Let’s go back to the line. Fairchild joins fellow Bulldogs giant Mims in the trenches. The Bengals weren’t hurting too much on the outside but instead on the interior, and Fairchild should be there to help. I like Ratledge, too, but I think he’s gone by the 3rd round. Who knows, the Bengals could get Ratledge in Round 3.

Round 6, Pick 193: Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota

With Logan Wilson coming off injury, Germaine Pratt demanding a trade, and Akeem Davis-Gaither signing with Arizona, the Bengals need some help in the middle.

They still have Shaka Hayward and former undrafted free agent, Njongmeta, they could use some extra help. Again, if Jack Kiser, the former Notre Dame linebacker under Al Golden, is there, I’m getting him, but I think he is gone a little before this.

That wraps it up.

I’ve said it before: these mock drafts are realistic, but they are by no means precise. But, I do see the Bengals grabbing most, if not all of these positions for depth. You may see a hybrid corner/safety or late-round running back as well. If they decide on a weapon, I don’t see it happening before the 5th round.