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Cincinnati Bengals: 3 Potential First Round Draft Picks

By Matthew Pedroza

Nov 7, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) gets the crowd fired up during first quarter action versus the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State leads 14-0 at halftime. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) gets the crowd fired up during first quarter action versus the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State leads 14-0 at halftime. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s officially mock draft season.

We’re about two and a half months away from seeing who the Bengals will select to be an integral part of the team in the near future. For the most part, the Bengals have drafted very well for the last 10 years. It’s put them in a good position as a team to consistently be atop the AFC and consistently be contenders.

Fans should trust the draft process the Bengals have put together and know they will select the right players to keep this team moving forward. The Bengals don’t have glaring holes, but could definitely use some help in certain positions.

Andrew Billings DT, Baylor 

Chris Burke from Sports Illustrated has Billings falling late to the Bengals. There is nothing to disagree with from his analysis, “Billings can step in from Day One on the nose, next to Geno Atkins. Or, truer to Bengals form, he can ease his way into the rotation alongside Domata Peko (a cut candidate), Brandon Thompson (if he re-signs cheap) and others.” As much as Bengals fans love

Peko, it’s time to start looking at life past him. Billings won’t turn 21 until after the draft, but at 6’2 310 pounds, he is a man. He has a background in weightlifting, which has helped him be explosive off the ball and gives him tremendous power. An Atkins/Billings combo in the interior of the defensive line would be menacing to opposing teams.

Darron Lee OLB, Ohio State

We’ve addressed the free agency market for the Bengals here at StripeHype. They could potentially have some holes at the linebacker position. Lee is a little on the smaller side (6’2 228 pounds) for an NFL linebacker, but makes up for it with great instincts and being a ball hawk. He is extremely quick and athletic.

He played quarterback in high school and one year later led the Buckeyes defense to a National Title after taking over for Ryan Shazier. Now that the NFL (and AFC North) has become pass heavy, having a rangy outside linebacker like Lee will be a great asset.

Corey Coleman WR, Baylor

With the recent news of Marvin Jones testing out the free agent market and “not giving a hometown discount,” the Bengals need to start looking at potential replacements. Connor talked about potential free agents as a replacement, but Corey Coleman could be a great #2 to AJ Green, too. Coleman stands at 5’11 and weighs in 190 pounds, but plays above that.

He is explosive off the line and will demand safety help. Coleman has quick feet, great route running, and tremendous leaping ability. He has a knack for getting off jams at the line and making plays down the field. Depending on what happens with Marvin Jones and Mohammed Sanu, the Bengals have a great option here with Coleman.

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