Bengals mock offseason: Projecting free agency, the draft and more

Bengals mock offseason: Draft

Round 1

Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

Though adding Kevin Zeitler would be big for the Bengals’ offensive line, one player alone won’t fix their problems. In fact, the Bengals probably won’t solve all of their line issues this season, even if they do add multiple new players.

However, Penei Sewell is the best offensive lineman in the draft and would go a long way in Cincinnati’s pursuit of a better offensive line. He appears to be their top target with the No. 5 pick, and it would be a slam dunk selection.

Round 2

Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky

If William Jackson III does leave in free agency, the Bengals will be forced to address the cornerback position. While Darius Phillips has impressed in the opportunities he has been given, Zac Taylor and Lou Anarumo may not be comfortable giving him sole responsibility of holding down the No. 2 spot at corner. Kelvin Joseph has ideal traits for a cornerback prospect and could rotate with Phillips before developing into a full-time starter opposite Trae Waynes.

Round 3

Dayo Odeyingbo, EDGE, Vanderbilt

Even if they do lock up Carl Lawson and Sam Hubbard for the foreseeable future, the Bengals will still have a lot of work to do along the defensive line. Dayo Odeyingbo is a talented and versatile lineman who could play all over the Bengals’ defensive line. The Vanderbilt product tore his Achilles in January but would be worth the wait even if he’s not available to play in week one.

Round 4

Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR, Iowa

The Bengals wide receiver group has a need for speed. Despite having talented players in Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and Auden Tate, they are one of the slowest units in the league. Ihmir Smith-Marsette is a speedy wide receiver with kick/punt return abilities who could make an impact from day one on both offense and special teams. The Bengals have been reported to have met with Smith-Marsette, so it’s clear he is on their radar.

Round 5

Shaka Toney, EDGE, Penn State

With the addition of Penn State edge rusher Shaka Toney, the Bengals continue to improve their abysmal pass rush. Toney is an explosive player who could develop into a solid situational pass rusher.

Round 6

Jack Anderson, G, Texas Tech

If the Bengals’ offseason goes according to my projections, Quinton Spain and Kevin Zeitler will be the starters at guard in 2021. Jack Anderson of Texas Tech is a solid late-round option who could sit behind the two veterans and eventually get a chance to compete at guard.

Round 7a

Rakeem Boyd, RB, Arkansas

The Bengals have a great one-two punch at running back in Joe Mixon and Giovani Bernard, but behind those two they don’t have much depth. Arkansas running back Rakeem Boyd could make the roster as a third option behind the top two.

Round 7b

Racey McMath, WR, LSU

With their second pick in the seventh round, the Bengals add LSU wide receiver, Racey McMath. During his time at LSU, McMath wasn’t used much on offense but was a huge part of the Tigers’ special teams unit. When he was used on offense, he was most productive during Joe Burrow’s Heisman campaign, where he had 17 receptions for 285 yards and 3 TDs.