Bengals Mock Draft: Cincinnati fixates on offensive line

Round 5: Pick 158 – Yusuf Corker, S (Kentucky)

One of the biggest questions surrounding Cincinnati this offseason is what will the team decide to do with Jessie Bates? He’s slated to hit free agency and while fans still love the guy, he hasn’t played as well this year so a new contract isn’t guaranteed.

If Bates leaves, ideally the Bengals would draft a safety earlier in the draft but if they manage to keep him around and maybe sign him to a franchise tag, Yusuf Corker is someone I wouldn’t mind seeing the stripes add. Corker has totaled over 70 tackles in each of the last three seasons and isn’t afraid to bring someone down.

Round 6: Pick 197 – Shaun Jolly, CB (Appalachian State)

Cornerback is another defensive position that could use some help this offseason. I’d be surprised if Trae Waynes is back for the third and final year on his contract considering he’s played in two games since signing with the team a year ago. Luckily, the team struck gold with the Chidobe Awuzie signing so the position isn’t in trouble by any means.

Shaun Jolly really impressed during his sophomore season with the Mountaineers, especially when it came to forcing takeaways. Jolly had five interceptions and returned two of them for touchdowns, proving he can make plays when he needs to.

It’s doubtful that Jolly would be a starting corner for the Bengals anytime soon but he could make a nice depth piece.