2016 NFL Mock Draft: Who Do the Cincinnati Bengals get?
By Dylan Testin
Seattle Seahawks:
Andrew Billings, Defensive Tackle, Baylor
Defensive tackle is a need for Seahawks as Brandon Mebane was unimpressive yet again this season and will be a free agent. Billings has the ability to be an effective run stopper and will be a guy that can take up double teams to let linebackers like Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright roam free and make plays.
Alternate picks: A’Shawn Robinson, Reggie Ragland, Jarran Reed
Green Bay Packers:
Reggie Ragland, Linebacker, Alabama
The most ready linebacker in the draft falls to 27 after what I predict will be a disappointing showing at the NFL Combine. Ragland plays with incredible instincts and makes it look like he is a veteran in the league already. He doesn’t have the athleticism other backers in the class have, but he makes up for it all with his strength and ability to shed blocks. There were obvious issues with the middle of the Packer defense and with Clay Matthews moving back outside, it is a need that has to be addressed this offseason. Ragland would be a great fit in Green Bay, and would remind older fans of the Ray Nitschke days.
Alternate picks: Jarran Reed, A’Shawn Robinson, Hunter Henry
Kansas City Chiefs:
A’Shawn Robinson, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
A’Shawn Robinson was initially projected to be a top 15 pick in this years draft, but after a dismal performance at the senior bowl, he falls to Kansas City. KC has an aging defensive front and could use the help that Robinson will bring. He can be a solid run stopper and will take pressure off of Justin Houston and Tamba Haili, allowing them to get to the quarterback.
Alternate picks: Jarran Reed, Darron Lee, Noah Spence
Arizona Cardinals:
Jarran Reed, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
Reed is a player that could easily go in the top 20 of the draft, but with the draft being so deep with defensive talent, he falls to Arizona who will be exquisite when the versatile tackle that is more athletic than his 6’4″-320lb. frame would suggest falls to them. He has the ability to make an immediate impact and will be a great pairing with Calais Campbell.
Alternate picks: A’Shawn Robinson, Michael Thomas, Corey Coleman
Carolina Panthers:
Darron Lee, Linebacker, Ohio State
Carolina has a great linebacking core already, and with Darron Lee sliding to the end of the first round, they will have the best in the NFL. Lee can do whatever is asked of him, but excels at getting to the quarterback. Playing him in scheme with Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, Shaq Thompson would be dangerous to opposing offenses.
Alternate picks: Darian Thompson, Kamalei Correa, Kendall Fuller
Denver Broncos:
Noah Spence, Linebacker, Eastern Kentucky
If Noah Spence falls to the Denver Broncos, you can mark my words when I say they will have the greatest pass rushing team in NFL history. If you give Spence the ability and time to learn under the likes of Demarcus Ware and Von Miller he can become a top tier pass rusher within a year. Besides his past off the field issues, Spence comes with a couple questions on field. NFL Network’s Ben Fennell had this to say on Spence:
Alternate picks: Taylor Decker, Jason Spriggs, Jarran Reed