It’s time to go mocking again. The Cincinnati Bengals are just weeks away from the 2017 NFL Draft. What they do could make or break the season. Here’s another look at a few possible moves.
This is my third Bengals mock of the offseason. Post-free agency moves and 3 weeks until the draft. This mock tries to predict what the team will do as opposed to what I want to happen (minus the kicker, you’ll see).
Round 1: Pick 9, O.J. Howard TE Alabama
I’m sold on this pick. Eifert is in the last year of his deal. I’m not so sure he’s worth big TE money if he can’t prove he can stay healthy. Howard can contribute right away and take some of the load off of Eifert.
Howard provides this offense with a new element in 2017. He runs like a receiver, but can also sit in and block like an old school tight end. Adding Howard allows Eifert more rest, so he won’t take as many shots (cough, cough…injury prone.)
I believe Howard can help Andy Dalton regain his 2015 form by giving him a big body to hit in the middle of the field. Let’s see what O.J. and Eifert can do together in 2017.
Round 2: Pick 41, Joe Mixon RB Oklahoma
The offense needs more playmakers. A lot of fans will clamor for a DE by round two, but the best player available route sends Mixon to The Jungle.
Here they take the best available running back to help shoulder the load. Gio is recovering from an ACL and Burkhead went to the Pats. Jeremy Hill needs some help. Mixon can step in right away and play the majority of snaps, letting Hill come in for the red zone, where he excels.
I don’t condone what Mixon did in any way. But, this is what I think the ‘team’ will do. This not what I would necessarily do.
Round 3: Pick 73, Tarell Basham DE Ohio
Without further ado, I give you a defensive end.
The Bengals attended Ohio’s pro day and undoubtedly had an eye on Basham. With 27 total teams in attendance, it goes to show that many teams had an eye on him.
Here you get a local guy at a position of need. Basham had double-digit sacks last year and although a tad shorter, he has the length the Bengals like on the line. Michael Johnson needs to play less in order to be effective. He no longer can give you close to 1,000 snaps and be above average.