Cincinnati Bengals Post Combine 7 Round Mock Draft

The Bengal’s pick up Burrow’s collegiate teammate here in Grant Delpit.

There are definitely more pressing needs, but this is a case where the talent is just too good to pass up on.

The only reason Delpit has the potential to fall to round two is because of concerns surrounding his tackling ability. However, Pro Football Focus seems to have no problem with the flaw saying,

"“It’s a smallish part of the game, for a safety. It is not necessarily going to move the needle that much…Can you man up on tight ends? Yes…Does he have all the sort of size, strength, athleticism to fix this tackle problem, to get better in that regard? Yes.”"

The Jim Thorpe Award winner had an ankle injury that could help explain part of the problem with his missed tackles. With the strength of the Bengal roster being along the defensive line, he shouldn’t be put in many situations where he has to make a one-on-one tackle anyway.

Pairing his coverage ability with Jessie Bates would give defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo two of the most promising young players at the position. The league being as pass-heavy as it is, the Bengals could find a way to overcome the offensive juggernauts often seen with the addition of Delpit.

Shawn Williams is still a vital piece of the team and he’s not going anywhere any time soon. The presence of Delpit would free Williams up to play a hybrid role, which could be especially effective in nickel packages.

While the hope is an elite linebacker prospect would fall here, the way things are shaping up, it looks like that isn’t going to happen. Adding Delpit is the best way to infuse the most defensive talent possible at this point.