NFL free agency hasn't opened up quite yet but already ESPN draft insider Mel Kiper Jr. has come out with three different mock drafts, the third one coming out today. In his latest, Kiper has the Bengals taking two very familiar players with their two first-round picks: Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and georgia guard Cordy Glenn.
On the Kirkpatrick pick, Kiper says:
Johnathan Joseph left a void last year when he landed in Houston as a free agent, and Kirkpatrick will fill the void. This is a big, physical corner who doesn't give up much in coverage given his size (nearly 6-3), which makes him particularly good inside the red zone. He's also tough against the run. I have the Bengals as a team who could trade up for Richardson if he starts to fall on the board, but if they don't, Kirkpatrick offers immediate help.
And on the Glenn pick, Kiper says:
I have guard as one of the top needs for the Bengals, and if they don't get DeCastro at this spot, Glenn isn't much of a drop. Cincinnati will have added help in the run game next year, but it also needs to get better up front. Glenn is a guy who has also spent time at tackle, and could be moved there in a pinch, but he dominates on the inside and is surprisingly quick given his huge frame. Another good piece in an offense primed to get better.
Some other notable picks in Kipers third mock draft are:
- Robert Griffin III to Cleveland Browns at No. 4
- Trent Richardson to Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 5
- Mark Barron to Dallas Cowboys at No. 14
- David DeCastro to Tennessee Titans at No. 20
- Janoris Jenkins to New England Patriots at No. 31
What are your thoughts on Kiper's newest mock draft?