Post Combine Mock Draft
*Trade back to 49ers 30th Pick*
-Bengals acquire 1st and 3rd round picks
-49ers select DT Rashede Hageman
1. Ryan Shazier OLB
via thegazette.com
With the Bengals going BPA in round 1, I have them selecting Ohio State LB Ryan Shazier. Last season Shazier recorded 142 tackles and 6 sacks. Shazier and Burfict lining up together would be a nightmare for opposing offenses and might give us the best front 7 in the NFL. The Bengals linebacker roster combined for just 10 sacks in 2013 and five in 2012. Linebacker is a not a glaring hole on our defense but Shazier would defenitley make our defense better, with the ability to cover Tight Ends and rush off the edge. Shazier is a dynamic playmaker, a hard hitter, who is also extremely athletic and fast.
Ryan Shazier Sophomore Highlights 2012 | HD (via Juice Bringers [Buckeye Highlights])
2. Jimmie Ward SS
In my opinion he is the best strong safety in the draft a big hitter and arguably has the best coverage out of all safeties in draft. During his senior season he racked up 95 tackles and 7 interceptions. Versatile with the ability to play both free and strong safety as well as nickel corner. Right now the Bengals have the 3rd ranked defense in the NFL credited to the front 7. As of right now Strong Safety is probably the weakest spot on our Defense.
Jimmie Ward's One-Handed Interception #SCtop10 (via ESPN)
3. Marcus Martin C
via cdn.fansided.com
Marcus Martin from USC has potential to be the best Center in this draft, if he's not already. Martin only has 2 years experience starting at Center, the reason he isn't the number 1 ranked.
Marcus Martin (Center, USC) vs Notre Dame 2013 (via Aimal Arsalla)
3. Stanley Jean Baptiste CB
via cdn.fansided.com
Cornerback being one of our biggest draft needs due to injuries and an aging secondary, I have us selecting Stanley Jean Baptiste. The 6'3 CB started his career as a receiver before making his transition to the defensive side of the ball. In 2013 Baptiste recorded 41 tackles, 4 int and 12 pass deflections. I wouldn't expect him to as much his rookie year like Kirkpatrick due to him only playing the position for 2 seasons.
The Supreme Stanley Jean-Baptiste Highlights (via MockingNFLDraft)
4. Andre Williams RB
via bostonherald.com
Williams averaged over 6 yards per carry on 355 attempts during his senior year at Boston College. A power back beginning the Hue Jackson era, giving us an unstoppable tandem with Williams and Bernard in the backfield. Green Ellis is a free agent but depth is needed even if he is resigned, being that the running game is our offenses new focal point.
The Supreme Andre Williams Highlights 2013 Season (via MockingNFLDraft)
5. Brett Smith QB
The Bengals are coming into next season with a need at back up QB.Brett Smith is underclassmen coming out of Wyoming. An underrated passer with quick feet, he works through his reads and is elusive in the pocket. In 2013 he recorded 3,375 passing yards with a 62.7 completion percentage and 29 passing touchdowns.
Brett Smith (QB Wyoming) vs Idaho (2013) (via Justis Mosqueda)
6. Dexter McDougle CB
via cdn.fansided.com
Adding depth to the corner position McDougle, who injured his shoulder after recording 8 tackles and 2 interceptions vs Connecticut leaving him out for the rest of the season.
Official Highlight Tape of #25 Dexter McDougle (via King's Kid Prod.)
7. J.C. Copeland FB
A great blocker that can also be used as a power back and pound it in the inside. Copeland deserves more credit for the plays LSU made on the ground, he is truly a beast at the Fullback position. J.C. Copeland showcased his talents at the 2014 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl running it in for two touchdowns and earning MVP honors. The 2nd ranked fullback in the draft but the fact that he is a fullback is why he has 6-7th round grade on him.
JC Copeland 2012 LSU Season Highlights (via HitzTV54)
7.(COMP) Andrew Norwell OG/OT
Norwell plays both positions offensive guard and tackle. Giving the Bengals more depth on the offensive line.