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Cincinnati Bengals: Full 7 Round Mock Draft CFP Semi-Finals Edition

By Hunter Bittinger

DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 12: Kenneth Murray #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the 2019 AT&T Red River Showdown at Cotton Bowl on October 12, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 12: Kenneth Murray #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the 2019 AT&T Red River Showdown at Cotton Bowl on October 12, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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7. player. 889. . Linebacker. Demon Deacons . Justin Strnad

WINSTON SALEM, NC – AUGUST 31: Linebacker Justin Strnad #23 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons tackles running back Mark Robinson #32 of the Presbyterian Blue Hose during the football game at BB&T Field on August 31, 2017 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
WINSTON SALEM, NC – AUGUST 31: Linebacker Justin Strnad #23 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons tackles running back Mark Robinson #32 of the Presbyterian Blue Hose during the football game at BB&T Field on August 31, 2017 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

The Bengals only have one linebacker that is sure to return next season and that is Germaine Pratt. That likely means adding multiple new faces to the linebacker unit via the draft. It wouldn’t be a surprise if they double dip at the position and take Justin Strnad in the 7th round.

Scouts love Strnad’s instincts. That much can be seen in this analysis by The Draft Network,

"Long, uber-instinctive defender. Has a great understanding of spacing, timing, and angles in his downhill attack. Possesses a quick, impressive mental trigger… sees plays develop in the backfield through the trash. Easy sideline-to-sideline mover. Possesses the range and cover skills you look for in today’s off-ball linebacker. Maximizes length as a consistent finisher in both traffic and the open field. High-effort player who is in constant pursuit until the whistle blows. Team captain."

He clearly has all the tools to develop into a great player one day. However, he will likely fall to this point due to the fact that he’s light for the position, doesn’t have ideal production, and has suffered a torn bicep this season.

What would it take for the Cincinnati Bengals to give up the first overall pick?. light. Related Story

However, in the 7th round, the Bengals can’t expect to find a day one starter. The important thing is, he’s got the athleticism to play special teams at a high level right away. In the meantime, he can continue to develop his frame and recover from injury. If the Bengals were to invest in him, with a few seasons experience, it could pay off in a big way.

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