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Cincinnati Bengals Add Playmakers for the Future in 7 Round Mock Draft

By Blake Jewell

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers runs the ball against the Clemson Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers runs the ball against the Clemson Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 21: Akeem Davis-Gaither #24 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers reacts to a missed field goal by Noah Ruggles #97 of the North Carolina Tar Heels as time expires in their game at Kenan Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Mountaineers won 34-31. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 21: Akeem Davis-Gaither #24 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers reacts to a missed field goal by Noah Ruggles #97 of the North Carolina Tar Heels as time expires in their game at Kenan Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Mountaineers won 34-31. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

One of the more underrated players in the draft this offseason, Akeem Davis-Gaither would be the perfect fit for the Bengals in the third round. The Appalachian State linebacker’s stock has had quite the rise since he declared for the draft, and adding his talents to the roster could improve the Bengals even more.

Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo runs a 4-2-5 defensive formation, with Germaine Pratt and Josh Bynes filling the two starting linebacker roles. However, Davis-Gaither would still find plenty of playing time rotating at the position and coming in to be the third linebacker for 4-3 packages. Linebacker is still a big need in Cincinnati and should be addressed in the draft. Pick 65 is the perfect time to do so.

While undersized, Davis-Gaither still has the ability to be a dominant at weakside linebacker in the NFL. He has the versatility and athleticism to be a key playmaker on the Bengals defense. Good football IQ, effective tackling, dependable coverage skills, and speed are just some of the few qualities that the 22-year-old brings to the table. This selection would practically complete the Bengals defense for next season after adding a number of talented players in free agency.