FanPost

(Not So) Picky

The following suggestions/guesses are the result of my mock draft. For each pick I'll have... the overall pick number: Mock Selection, Available 2nd Choice, and a possible "Stumbler" (a falling player we might grab at value)

ROUND ONE

PICK 21: Mock; Taylor Mays (S), 2ndChoice; Jerry Hughes (SAM), Stumbler; Brian Price (DT/DE)

Only safety haters wouldn't pick Mays/Thomas if one of them are available, but for how many years now has the position plagued us. We can't give up now, i don't want to see Tom Nelson out there unless he's playing the slot. Hughes is a stretch but would a) be Dhani/Rey's successor if they move Rey to the middle, and b) give us more 3-4 adaptable personnel for packages. I don't expect Price to make it past the Giants.

ROUND TWO

PICK 43: Mock; Jared Veldheer (OT), 2ndChoice; Tyson Alualu (DT/DE), Stumbler; Patrick Robinson (CB)

(Assumes Mays Pick)...Veldheer would be an excellent addition to the NBL formation we fielded on run downs last year (nothing-but-linemen). He's Dennis Roland 2.0. Alualu should be a pro-ready prospect, and Robinson actually was available in my mock. I don't believe any top wideouts will be there, no Thomas, Benn, Gilyard, or LaFell. Personally, I think we'll be looking to draft a tall (slim-esque) deepthreat receiver at some point.

ROUND THREE

PICK 84: Mock; Jason Worilds (OLB), 2ndChoice; Mike Neal (DT/DE), Stumbler; Carlton Mitchell (WR)

(Assumes Previous Mock Picks)... Worilds could perform the same functions I envisioned for Hughes earlier. Mike Neal had great production and versatility in 2009 at Purdue. If were lucky and he makes it to us at this spot, Mitchell is a Henry clone.

PICK 96: Perrish Cox (CB), 2ndChoice; Daniel Te'o-Nesheim (DE), Stumbler; Jimmy Graham (TE)

Depth at corner, pass-rush, or Reggie Kelly's successor (right now its Dan Coats).

In past drafts, even last year, the Bengals have been forced to get help for specific areas of need. The departure of Stacy Andrews and the rapid decline of Big Willie Anderson forced us to go for Smith. The Pollack/Thurman/Ahmad Brooks issues have forced us to take linebackers early (Rivers/Rey). Glaring statistical weaknesses forced us to get Hall and Joseph to aid the secondary.

Having picked up Antonio Bryant, we don't really have a numbered list of needs for this draft, and should adopt the philosophy of teams such as the Patriots and Colts, and go for the Best Player Available. The only position we shouldn't draft early is quarterback. We'll also be able to target prospects who can strengthen our current schemes or add to personnel packages, rather than sure-thing cornerstones to build schemes around.

Expect some risk taking in the Bengals' war room this year. A bust may come of this draft, just like they do with the Pats (Maroney/Watson). We'll also see a lot of impact players, though.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Cincy Jungle's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan, which is as important as the views of Cincy Jungle's writers or editors.