I'll give ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. credit for always returning to his laurels. After selecting Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers in his first mock draft, Kiper selected Georgia's A.J. Green in his second mock draft. Kiper strayed briefly with Cam Newton in his third mock draft, quickly returning to Green in his fourth mock draft.
On Wednesday, Mel Kiper Jr. remained firm with his fifth and final mock draft of the NFL Draft season, selecting A.J. Green.
We know that Cincinnati is still dealing with questions at quarterback, but whether the Bengals' answer is to trade Carson Palmer, somehow keep him or perhaps try to import the likes of Kevin Kolb, Matt Hasselbeck, Donovan McNabb or someone else, they'll need to help whoever will be throwing the ball in 2011 and beyond. This is one I'm sticking with -- by drafting the best pure pass-catching talent in the draft, they help the QB, and also fill holes from obvious departures. Green is an immediate starter and a rare big-time, physical, fast receiver who has the route-running skills and understanding to help right away.