The combine is over, the draft order is set. It’s mock season, Cincy. Now, who should the Bengals choose from their grab bag?
Here’s a look at the latest Bengals mock draft. This seven round wish list contains some heavy hitters that could make an impact in stripes. All 2017 NFL Combine results via NFL.com.
(*) next to pick is a compensatory draft pick
Round 1: Pick 9 OJ Howard, TE Alabama
- 40-yard dash: 4.51 seconds
- Bench press: 22 reps
- 3-cone drill: 6.85 seconds
Howard rocked the NFL combine. I mean he really put on a show. He showed his strength, agility and explosiveness all day long, and went from being a first round guy to being top 10 worthy IMO.
Eifert is injury prone, and we need another offensive weapon. Instead of going for Corey Davis or Mike Williams at WR, the Bengals can take the top talent available. Howard instantly upgrades the offense and provides us with a blocking presence at TE that none of our current guys do.
This pick allows Eifert to be used more sparingly in hopes of keeping him healthy. It also gives the team two athletic, pass-catching tight ends to control the middle of the field on offense.
Round 2: Pick 41 Malik McDowell, DL Michigan State
- 40-yard dash: 4.85 seconds
- Bench press: 23 reps
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.53 seconds
This class of incoming rookies is so deep on defense, an impact player will surely be available at pick 41. If there is a run on first round QB’s and RB’s, that would be an excellent thing for the Bengals. I am beginning to think that’s the only way McDowell falls to us in round two.
McDowell has the talent and film to go in the first round. But there is only enough room for so many defensive lineman in the first round. If he slides down to the top of round two it will be a great thing for the Bengals.
Round 3: Pick 73 Ethan Pocic, C LSU
- Bench Press: 26 reps
I was tempted to go LB here, but after PJ Dawson and Nick Vigil, I’m tired of 3rd round backers. Plus it sounds like the team is high enough on Vigil to not spend an early pick on the position.
Pocic immediately comes in and competes with Bodine for the starting center position. He also has the versatility to kick out from the center if needed. That versatility is welcomed and encouraged on the Bengals squad.
Round 4: Pick 116 Josh Reynolds, WR Texas A&M
- 40-yard dash: 4.52 seconds
- Vertical jump: 37 inches
- 3 cone drill: 6.83 seconds
Reynolds talked about his NFL fit and mentioned playing alongside A.J. Green. I’ll take it. By grabbing Howard in round one, the team can sit back at the “skill position” until day three. Reynolds can potentially fill the number 2 spot opposite Green if the team doesn’t sign anyone in free agency. NFL.com goes further by comparing him to Marvin Jones. That would definitely be a score in round 4.
Round 4: Pick 138* DeMarcus Walker, DE Florida State
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- Bench press: 18 reps
The first compensatory pick for the Bengals in this year’s draft goes to add more depth to the front 7. Walker has been mocked anywhere in rounds 2-4 so there is some gray area here.
Walker has the production at a big school that the Bengals like. The only thing he lacks is the individual testing numbers. Also, at 6’3″, he’s a little shorter than the Bengals would like at DE. But, he could very well rush the passer from the inside if called upon.
Round 5: Pick 153 Alex Anzalone, LB Florida
- 40-yard dash: 4.63
- Bench press: 16 reps
If Anzalone could stay healthy throughout his career, he may be in first round consideration. Sadly, serious injuries have plagued him to this point.
A talented 3 down backer, if Anzalone can kick the injury bug and stay healthy, he can be a solid pickup for the team.
Round 5: Pick 176* James Connor, RB Pitt
- 40-yard dash: 4.65 seconds
- Bench press: 20 reps
- Broad jump: 113 inches
Every year I find a couple of guys who, I feel, would be excellent additions to the Bengals. This year, the first two that stand out are McDowell and Connor.
I don’t think this is the year to draft an early RB. It’s a loaded position, but grabbing one of the top 3 or 4 guys won’t put us over the top. Here we pick up a guy, who if not hurt, would be going higher.
Connor ran slow enough to be available on Day 3 of the draft, but still faster than Burkhead, whom he would essentially be replacing.
Round 6: Pick 193 Jeremy Clark, CB Michigan
- Bench press: 20 reps
This pick is a draft and develop type. Clark tore his ACL early this past season so he will still need time to get his feet back under him. If given the time to recover and refine his technique, standing 6’3″ tall, he has the size to be a force in a strong secondary.
With the recent additions in the secondary, the Bengals have plenty of depth and potential. So this could be the first in which they don’t take a true corner in years.
Round 6: Pick 217* Zane Gonzalez, K Arizona State
I will continue to mock this pick until it happens. Since Mike Nugent left, the team has shown some interest in a kicking competition. To show the fans that they’re seriously trying to upgrade the position, we need to spend a draft pick on the spot.
It helps that there isn’t a hyped up Roberto Aguayo who will push kickers into higher rounds, but you can never be sure which team will start the run on special teams.
Round 7: Pick 227 Jon Heck, OT North Carolina
There is a slim chance the 10th pick sticks with the team into the season except on practice squad duties. There simply isn’t enough space on the roster!
Heck is a big tackle, listed at 6’6″, 300 pounds. He didn’t receive a combine offer, but if there’s one thing you can’t teach, it’s size.
Round 7: Pick 251* Sefo Liufau, QB Colorado
AJ McCarron needs to be swapped for what we can get. He obviously wants to start and didn’t expect to be back after cleaning out his locker.
Liufau will come in to compete with Jeff Driskel as the backup. The team clearly liked Driskel enough to keep him on the 53 man roster and not risk losing him to waivers. This pick will allow the coaches to see two young guys battle for the backup spot.
Plus, check this out: Sefo’s uncle, Jack Thompson, was drafted by the Bengals in 1979.
Wrapping Up
This draft gets impact players on both sides of the ball. On top of that, this mock provides the team time dump some of the underwhelming vets if they find they need the cap space.
Next: Bengals Need A Game Changer
The fans are tired of being teased by the Bengals. The team needs to step up and perform better in order to reach the playoffs (also, they need a little help in the form of the injury bug staying away). The fans and coaches alike are expecting big things in 2017. Let’s hope the draft plays out in the favor of Cincy.