FanPost

2013 3 Round Mock Draft

My 2013 Bengals 3 Round Mock Draft (which just happens to be my first post on cincyjungle):

1. Cordarrelle Patterson-Wide Receiver. My favorite option for the Bengals, Kenny Vaccaro, will be taken before our pick at 21. That forced me to redo my mock draft. It appears that Alec Ogletree might not make it past the Bears so my two favorite players might not be available. Accounting for this, I'm going to chose one of the best players available, with tons of potential, which ends up meeting one of our needs (though not as dire as RB, LB, or SS). Cordarrelle Patterson is 6'3, 205 pounds, and runs in the 4.4 range. He isn't as polished as some as the other WR's but has a higher ceiling than any other WR in the draft. With him joining Sanu and Jones, our WR core will be set for years to come. In addition, he is an explosive return man although he did have problems returning punts. Though he might not start right away, he would be productive and would eventually take over as the Y receiver next to AJ Green. This should help Andy Dalton reach his potential and finally beat the stinking Texans.

2A. Giovani Bernard-Running Back. Though BJGE recovered from his dismal start and racked up four games of at least 100 yards, he doesn't have the explosiveness to truly scare defenses. Gio is considered the top back in this draft and his special teams play will allow us to finally cut Brandon Tate (which will allow my blood pressure to finally subside; no more catching a punt on the five yard line). This is surely a win-win in my book. I truly think that Gio will be available in the second round because he isn't an elite prospect like Trent Richardson and running backs are being devalued in the NFL.

2B. Khaseem Greene-OLB. The worst starting Middle Linebacker in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus, was Rey Maualuga (he also gave up a ton of first downs). Both he and Jermaine Gresham single-handedly lost our playoff game. He couldn't cover any of the tight ends and missed several tackles on Arian Foster (I swear he was juked out of his socks on one play). He has to go-period. Drafting Greene would allow Burfict to slide over at Mike and Greene could take over the Will linebacker. Green was a former SS and has great coverage skills though he is small for an NFL linebacker.

3. Bacarri Rambo, Jonathan Cyprien, or TJ McDonald-FS/SS/SS. One of the biggest disappointments last year was our safety play. Though Reggie Nelson, our free safety, had a solid year (especially picking off Fatlisburger in our win at Heinz Stadium) our Strong Safety play was weak. We started off with Taylor Mays who simply doesn't have the instincts nor the intelligence to command the secondary (though I hope I'm wrong on this), shifted to Nate Clements who is 33, and then signed Chris Crocker back even after we cut him last year. With the NFL's emphasis on passing, we need a safety who can cover yet is big enough to play close to the line of scrimmage (Zimmer loves big safeties who can tackle). One of these safeties should be available and we have to select one (I'm taking the easy way out by not selecting one but I think all three safeties would suffice).

Thoughts, comments, or suggestions?

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.