NFL Network’s Mike Mayock released his first-round mock draft on Wednesday covering all 32 selections. What did he give the Cincinnati Bengals?
Mock drafts are finally coming to an end as we get to the real deal tonight to see who each team will take in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. NFL Network’s Mike Mayock only did one mock draft this year and it came within 24 hours of the NFL Draft starts. Mayock has followed a recent trend for who the Cincinnati Bengals will draft at 21 selecting Arkansas center Frank Ragnow.
Mayock states that Ragnow is the best natural center in the draft and can play all three positions on why he selected him to the Bengals. He’s not the only recent analyst selecting Ragnow to go to the Bengals at 21 as Bengals radio commentator Dave Lapham made the same pick. I think that Ragnow could be there in the second round but recent hype in the last week makes him less likely to fall to which I am happy with Cincinnati grabbing the Arkansas product.
Ragnow was my favorite center prospect out of the top three, though, James Daniels out of Iowa was a close second. His ability to get to the second level and swing outside was impressive. Pro Football Focus was very high on Ragnow as well as they graded him as the second-best lineman in this draft behind Notre Dame guard Quinton Nelson.
The young center graded 85 or higher for three consecutive years by PFF and in his last two seasons graded 93.7 or higher. His injury last season cut his year short but he was playing outstanding beforehand. There is plenty of tape to look at for Ragnow and it’s clear that he should be a first-round selection in this year’s draft.
His versatility is also something to admire playing both right guard and center in his college career. There were games where he would switch to guard against top defensive lines like Alabama and graded just as high as he did at center. The ability to move positions on the offensive line and not miss a beat is extraordinary.
Next: Bengals top 30 visits possible at 21
With the loss of Russell Bodine to the Buffalo Bills via free agency and acquiring left tackle Cordy Glenn from the Bills, a center is the biggest need for the Bengals. Finding a top center in this draft is key for the line to show improvement this season after a dreadful season a year ago. There is still need at right tackle and possible right guard but finding a center is the biggest need with no real experience on the roster.