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2016 NFL Mock Draft: Who Do the Cincinnati Bengals get?

By Dylan Testin

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Mackensie Alexander (2) blocks the pass intended for South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver D.J. Neal (3) during the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Mackensie Alexander (2) blocks the pass intended for South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver D.J. Neal (3) during the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington:

Mackensie Alexander, Cornerback, Clemson

Washington’s secondary got exposed in the playoffs when the lackluster Packers receiving corps beat them in the playoffs, so it is crucial to get a guy that can roam the field and make plays when needed and Alexander can be that guy. He is a little undersized at 5’11” 190 lbs. but has the tenaciousness to be an impact player immediately. His combine will say a lot about how teams feel about former Tiger.

Alternate picks: Kamalei Correa, A’Shawn Robinson, Eli Apple

Houston Texans:

Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back, Ohio State

I’ll start by saying I believe that either RGIII or Johnny Manziel will be taking snaps behind center in Houston next year. With that being said, Arian Foster’s best days are obviously behind him, so it is time for Houston to revitalize the run game. Elliott can do it all and will be a huge addition to a team that needs all the weapons it can get.

Alternate picks: Paxton Lynch, Josh Doctson, Michael Thomas

Minnesota Vikings:

Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

The Vikings need help at both tackle and guard, and with Decker falling to 23 they will get help in both pass protection and the run game. As much as Teddy Bridgewater needs a weapon, he needs to stay off his back first. Both Matt Kalil and TJ Clemmings were awful last season, so Decker is a need here. A guy like Cody Whitehair or Nick Martin could be possible here as well.

Alternate picks: Braxton Miller, Corey Coleman, Michael Thomas

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (right) is pursued by Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (right) is pursued by Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Cincinnati Bengals:

Braxton Miller, Wide Recevier, Ohio State

People are going to fall in love with Braxton Miller after the NFL combine, and that includes the Cincinnati Bengals; He is likely going to run a 4.3 40 and dazzle scouts during the acceleration and quickness drills. With Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu both likely leaving in free agency, the Bengals will need to find a threat to keep A.J Green from constantly being doubled. Miller is a guy that can play both over the top and underneath and would be a great complimentary piece to the duo of Green and Tyler Eifert. The secondary could also be revitalized if some key players don’t get resigned, so corner or safety could also be an option for the Queen City.

Alternate picks: Mackensie Alexander, Corey Coleman, Michael Thomas

Pittsburgh Steelers:

Darian Thompson, Safety, Boise State

The Steelers need a playmaker in the secondary, and Thompson is a guy that plays a lot like former rival Ed Reed. He constantly finds himself around the ball, and can bring an edge the Steelers haven’t had since Troy Polomalu retired. Thompson showed scouts during senior bowl week that he can keep up with bigger receivers and cover the middle up to NFL standards. The Steelers will be more than happy with the ballhawking safety.

Alternate picks: Kendall Fuller, Noah Spence, Reggie Ragland

Next: 26-31