Cincinnati Bengals Post Combine 7 Round Mock Draft

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers reacts after a touchdown in the third quarter over the Oklahoma Sooners during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers reacts after a touchdown in the third quarter over the Oklahoma Sooners during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 7
Next

886. . Cornerback. Knights . Nevelle Clarke. 7. player

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 14: Nevelle Clarke #14 of the UCF Knights reacts after breaking up a pass thrown by K.J. Costello #3 of the Stanford Cardinal in the third quarter of a football game at Spectrum Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 14: Nevelle Clarke #14 of the UCF Knights reacts after breaking up a pass thrown by K.J. Costello #3 of the Stanford Cardinal in the third quarter of a football game at Spectrum Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

In today’s NFL, defenses can rarely skate by without a high number of quality cornerbacks. So, while the team does have William Jackson III and Dre Kirkpatrick as solid starters along with Darius Phillips on the rise, the front office would be wise to scoop up Nevelle Clarke out of UCF here.

The production is what sticks out the most for the 6’1″ corner. During his final two collegiate seasons, he generated 24 pass breakups. The fact that opposing quarterbacks tested him often but were unable to complete the pass speaks to his closing speed and nose for the football. If drafted, he’d be the Bengal’s fourth or fifth corner, making him the most likely to be thrown towards out of the defensive backs, so this strength will suit him well.

Beyond his production, he has the playing experience, length, and potential on special teams that would make him a solid 7th round pick. While he needs work on his run support, the other attributes he brings to the table make him more than worthy of this selection.

Related Story. 5 Bengals players who might be finished in Cincinnati. light

In an ideal world, the Bengals would also bring back Darqueze Dennard in free agency, giving the team a nice blend of experience, high-end talent, youth, and potential.