This is the second edition of Mock Draft Monday here at Bengals Up North. The first one, done a couple of weeks ago, is already looking pretty unrealistic, as I thought would be the case at the time. With the NFL Scouting Combine in the rearview mirror, we can now slowly begin to piece together different ranges and projections for the prospects in the draft, with the hope that the mock drafts get a little more accurate each week.
I am deeper into my prospect evaluations, but still not deep enough to really get a feel for some of the value that was presented to me in the mid rounds. However, the number on my list of potential targets continues to grow.
The last mock I did was on the Fanspeak simulator. This time, I decided to switch it up and go with the Pro Football Network one. I also took a different approach in the 1st round, which in turn shifted the rest of the draft, compared to my first go at it.
In some of the mid rounds, targets I had my eye on were snagged a bit earlier than my pick, forcing me to shift focus. In this one, I had my eye on a couple of DT’s in the 2nd or 3rd round, but with them being gone, I didn’t get a chance to address the position until the final round. As well, trying to keep a “BPA” approach as much as possible, I ended up addressing the edge earlier than I was expecting to, going in. CB, C, and P were other positions taken into consideration, but the value never ended up being right in this mock draft.
Mock Draft:
- Rd 1: TE, Michael Mayer
The Bengals get a new starting TE in Mayer. Though he isn’t quite an elite athlete, he meets the threshold, and provides tremendous ability as a receiver, in terms of hands, catch radius, and body control. He also is arguably the best blocking TE in the draft.
- Rd 2: OT, Darnell Wright
You can’t be sure about anything when it comes to the draft, but I would be surprised if Wright is there when the Bengals pick in the 2nd round. But the simulator allowed him to fall right to my lap, so I scooped him up. The Bengals get a plug and play starter at RT, giving them some flexibility, given La’el Collins’ injury, and at the very least, quality depth. Though different positions, he is similar to Mayer in the sense that he is a good, but not great athlete. However, Wright possesses the strength and other favourable traits to be a staple starter for a long time.
- Rd 3: DE, Will McDonald
In McDonald, the Bengals would get a player who can rush with speed, and had the length to win leverage battles. He impressed at the Senior Bowl, and seems to be rising up boards at this point in the process. McDonald is not a finished product, but he would be nice in a rotation with Hendrickson and Hubbard.
- Rd 4: WR, Nathaniel Dell
Dell had a disappointing combine, but still possesses traits that would help the Bengals offence, and add more diversity. His quickness and route running are eye popping, and allow him to create space for himself. This, in part, helps to make up for his smaller frame, which some people will be a bit concerned about.
- Rd 5: RB, Keaton Mitchell
Mitchell is definitely on the small side, but he is an electric player with the ball in his hands. On tape, you see a ton of speed, and he backed it up with his performance in the combine. He likely won’t be a 3 down back, but he would bring an element that the Bengals offence has been missing.
- Rd 6: G, TJ Bass
Bass is lacking in length and athleticism, but he possesses the strength that you often see in successful late rounders. He does have some technical issues that need to be fixed, as well, but he offers some potential as a depth interior lineman.
- Rd 7: DT, Dante Stills
Stills isn’t the strongest guy, but has pretty good quickness and athleticism to rush the passer from the inside. Hand technique and rush moves need development, but he’s got some solid rotational upside for a late round pick.
Modified Homescreen Image Via: Chad Kainz (CC)