Bengals 7-Round Mock Draft: Cincinnati gets a steal in 1st round

Round 5: Pick 159 – Quentin Lake, S (UCLA)

While Bengals fans are optimistic that the team will retain Jessie Bates whether it’s with an extension or franchise tag, adding a safety in the draft wouldn’t be a bad idea. Quentin Lake of UCLA is someone who, as The Draft Network points out, “rarely misses tackles”.

Considering missed tackles have plagued the Bengals all season, it’d be nice to have a sure thing in that department on defense. Adding Lake in the fifth round likely means he’d be depth for the 2022 season but he’d be an interesting prospect to watch and could get a chance to prove himself if Bates isn’t retained.

Round 5: Pick 161 – Kana’i Mauga, LB (USC)

The linebackers have played better this season but adding one in the later round of the draft couldn’t hurt. Kana’i Mauga has totaled 64 tackles, two defended passes, one forced fumble, and one sack through nine games. He could end up going a lot sooner than the fifth round depending on how his season at USC finishes up.

If Mauga is still sitting here at pick No. 161, however, then the Bengals shouldn’t hesitate to snatch him up and add to their linebacker corps.