Bengals strengthen defense in way-too-early 2022 mock draft

Round 7: Pick 237 – Kenneth Walker III, RB (Michigan State)

Currently, the Bengals’ backup running backs are not very strong and they could be better. Samaje Perine had a below-average season debut. Behind Perine, Chris Evans is a rookie with some potential, but he is not proven yet. Adding another running back could help ensure there is good help behind Joe Mixon.

Kenneth Walker III is off to a fantastic start for Michigan State early in the college football season. So far, Walker has run for 321 yards while averaging over 10 yards per carry in only two games. If his good season continues, Walker will probably be unavailable in the seventh round but for now, he is a great backup running back option with Cincinnati’s last pick.

Walker has shown he is a great pure runner this season. He can be physical, breaking plenty of tackles, or can make people miss with sudden cuts. Walker has plenty of great runs this season, but on one run he made something out of nothing versus Youngstown State.

Based on Walker’s early-season success, he could be a good running back behind Mixon.

The Bengals’ roster is starting to have fewer holes, as their rebuild is approaching success. Cincinnati’s needs for the 2022 NFL Draft will change as the season progresses, as of now, this mock could address most of their current needs.