The NFL Draft is a little more than a couple of weeks away, so it seems like a great time for a mock draft. It is Monday, after all. This one will be the first of a few that I do between now and the start of the draft, and I will intentionally be making each one different for the purpose of going over different scenarios and different paths that the Bengals might take. Then I will do one “official” mock right before the draft. In this first one, the Bengals address DT early with a name that has been frequently mocked to them in the 1st round by analysts. This mock was done on the Fanspeak simulator.
Rd 1, Pk 17: DT – Walter Nolen
In round 1, the Bengals fill a big hole at 3T. Although they re-signed BJ Hill, the interior pass rush is still a big concern entering the draft. Nolen has a good blend of physical traits, and can reach another level with some technical refinement.
Rd 2, Pk 49: S – Xavier Watts
Watts would give the Bengals a ball hawk reminiscent of what they had in Jessie Bates. Like Bates, he isn’t an elite athlete, but his instincts are off the charts, which leads to splash plays in coverage. He can play as a single high and patrol the field, and I think he is a better tackler than Bates.
Rd 3, Pk 81: G – Wyatt Milum
Milum is a college OT who might kick inside at G due to short arm length. However, he has a big frame and the strength required to make it on the inside. The Bengals are hurting at G, having failed to address the position, outside of Lucas Patrick. Milum can come in and compete, and his experience at OT would give them some extra versatility.
Rd 4, Pk 119: WR – Kyle Williams
Williams is a dynamic player whose athleticism allows him to serve as a threat on all levels of the field. WR might be a bit of a luxury pick, but the middle rounds are loaded with talent. This is a BPA (best player available) pick. Even if it is a luxury pick, Williams would not be redundant. His speed is different from what anyone else in this offence offers. As well, he brings a lot more upside than Iosivas, who has been solid, but might not be suited for a bigger role. And Burton, despite his talent, is a big question mark for other reasons. Williams gives you that guy who can be a reliable threat behind Chase and Higgins.
Rd 5, Pk 153: LB – Eugene Asante
Asante has average measurables when it comes to size, but is an off the charts athlete. He gives you the potential to have a good coverage LB who can also make plays sideline to sideline. Instincts are still developing, so he may need some time. At this point, it is looking like the Bengals are going to run it back with Wilson and Pratt, in addition to Burks, who was signed in the offseason. This would give them time to wait on Asante.
Rd 6, Pk 193: DE – Johnny Walker
Walker is an interesting pass rush option later in the draft. He’s got some moves in his toolbox, and at the East-West Shrine Bowl, he showed good speed around the edge. Would give the Bengals a good developmental guy to add to their DE room.
