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Bengals: Four-round 2021 mock draft to address Cincinnati’s biggest needs

By Hunter Bittinger

TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 20: Wide Receiver Alex Bachman #1 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons avoids a tackle by Cornerback Asante Samuel, Jr. #26 of the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium during the game on Bobby Bowden Field on October 20, 2018 in Tallahassee, Florida. Florida State defeated Wake Forest 38 to 17. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 20: Wide Receiver Alex Bachman #1 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons avoids a tackle by Cornerback Asante Samuel, Jr. #26 of the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium during the game on Bobby Bowden Field on October 20, 2018 in Tallahassee, Florida. Florida State defeated Wake Forest 38 to 17. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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804. . CB. Seminoles . Asante Samuel Jr.. 2. player

Cincinnati Bengals
Asante Samuel Jr. /

Cincinnati Bengals four round 2021 mock draft

It’s difficult not to go with another offensive linemen or one of the exciting defensive ends currently projected to be available at this selection, but the talent of Asante Samuel Jr. is just too good to pass up on. If the Bengals re-sign Quinton Spain and pursue a big-fish free agent such as Joe Thuney, it can free them up to make this pick.

Simply put, Samuel Jr. is a freak athlete. He’s got it all. Speed, agility, twitch. Everything. He’s aggressive too. Oftentimes, premier outside corners may be hesitant as tacklers in the run game but that’s not his style. That bodes well for a Bengals defense that has put an emphasis on acquiring strong tacklers in the secondary after years of abysmal performances in that regard.

His size is a little concerning, as he stands at 5’10 and weighs in at 184-pounds. However, there are plenty of successful defensive backs with similar stature and if anybody has the athleticism to mask a lack of size, it’s Samuel Jr.

You’ve got to love his production as well. So far this season, he’s racked up three interceptions, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and six passes defended.

This move would allow the Bengals to move on from William Jackson if they’ve been overly disappointed with his recent play or if the rumors that he’d be open to a change of scenery turn out to be true. Even if Cincinnati brings Jackson back, Samuel Jr. would complete a trio of young, exciting corners, considering Trae Waynes is set to make his debut as well.