Bengals Mock Draft: Cincinnati fixates on offensive line

Round 2: Pick 48 – Drake Jackson, EDGE (USC)

While the Bengals have gotten tremendous production from Trey Hendrickson and their other pass-rushers this season, they could lose Larry Ogunjobi to free agency and there have been times when the pass rush has disappeared. Adding another pass rusher early in the draft would be a smart move for this team.

Drake Jackson is the pick here and the 6’4″, 250-pound linebacker totaled 37 tackles (eight for loss), five sacks, and an interception during his junior season at USC. He was one of the best pass-rushers for the Trojans this past year and wouldn’t just give the Bengals another guy who can get after the quarterback but another linebacker to add to their roster.

Round 3: Pick 82 – Abraham Lucas, OT (Washington State)

With Riley Reiff set to hit free agency this offseason, the Bengals have a difficult decision to make — Do they re-sign Reiff despite his injuries or search for another option at right tackle?

If they decide to let Reiff walk in free agency, Abraham Lucas wouldn’t be a bad option in the third round. The Washington State product spent his college career at right tackle and that’s the exact position Cincinnati needs to upgrade at next year.

One of the most impressive things about Lucas is that he held his own against Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux who could very well go No. 1 in the 2022 NFL Draft. If he can go toe-to-toe with one of the best defenders in the league, he should be able to adjust to who would be bull-rushing him in the pros.

Lucas is a potential right tackle replacement option for Reiff if the organization decides to not bring him back for 2022.