Bengals Mock Draft: Cincinnati fixates on offensive line

In this Cincinnati Bengals mock draft, the team puts a major focus on the offensive line because — Well, have you watched the offensive line recently? Three of Cincy’s first four selections in this mock are offensive linemen, proving just how big of a need it is for the stripes as they’re set to enter year three of the Joe Burrow era in 2022.

Protecting Burrow needs to be the biggest priority. They have their franchise quarterback so now do whatever it takes to keep the kid healthy and upright.

Before we dive in, I used Pro Football Network’s draft simulator for this mock and it’s a great tool for any draft nerd out there. I strongly encourage all of you to put together your own mock draft.

All right, let’s jump in! With the 17th overall pick, the Cincinnati Bengals select…

Round 1: Pick 17 – Tyler Linderbaum, OC (Iowa)

This would be a dream come true for Cincinnati. Tyler Linderbaum is the best center prospect in this draft and would be one of the few options in this draft who could immediately step in and serve as the starting at the center spot on the o-line.

Trey Hopkins is under contract for one more year but his play this year hasn’t been good. He was thoroughly missed when he had to miss week 13 due to injury but that’s because rookie Trey Hill was making his first-ever start at center.

With Hopkins proving he isn’t the answer at center past this season, if Linderbaum is available at pick No. 17, the Bengals would be idiots to pass on him.