Bengals 7 round 2021 mock draft with Sewell, Chase off the board

In an ideal world, the Bengals add a weapon for Joe Burrow far earlier in the draft. However, addressing the many needs in the trenches should be of chief concern, especially when the club already has Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and Joe Mixon.

Regardless, the team still gets a difference-maker here. Austin Watkins adds to the Cincinnati wide receiving corps. exactly what is lacking: speed. Check out what Joe Marino of The Draft Network had to say about the under-the-radar prospect,

"“Watkins’ blend of size, speed, ball skills, physicality, and route-running prowess makes him an appealing prospect…Watkins is a wonderful vertical threat that gets to top speed quickly…”"

Sounds like an ideal fit. Watkins should be able to take the top off of opposing defenses, opening up the deep passing game, and allowing the Bengals to fully utilize Burrow’s strengths.

Of course, as is the case with any sixth-round prospect, Watkins doesn’t come without his concerns. Marino notes his need to develop as a route runner and lack of special teams experience.

The good news? Cincinnati doesn’t need him to be a technician route runner right away and the special teams help is coming for coordinator Darrin Simmons in the seventh round.