The one thing that will affect the NFL draft more than the draft order itself is probably free agency. Therefore, it's almost completely pointless to make guesses at who will draft who at this point since free agency is still about a month away. Has that ever stopped anybody from checking out the latest mock drafts, though? No, it hasn't. Show of hands -- how many of you have looked up mock drafts for the 2013 draft? Don't lie........ yeah, that's what I thought.
The fact is, if you don't love mock drafts, you're either not a football fan or you're a liar. Since we all love them, I thought I'd share something special with you today. SB Nation's Mocking The Draft recently pumped out a six-rounder that will make your eyes bleed from pure excitement.
Here we go.
In the first round with the No. 17 overall pick, MTD has the Bengals taking North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins. I understand Jenkins is a talented corner, but I feel that, especially after the recent Rey Maualuga and Jerome Simpson debacles, the team may want to shy away from a guy who has some character issues.
Who I'd rather have that's available (in this mock): Nebraska CB Alfonzo Dennard
Then, in the same round with the No. 21 overall pick, MTD gives the Bengals Miami running back Lamar Miller. There's no question that the Bengals need to re-tool their backfield. Cedric Benson hasn't been getting it done and I don't have a ton of faith in Bernard Scott. However, I think finding a guard at this point is more crucial because drafting a running back before the linemen seems like putting the cart before the horse, but that may just be me.
Who I'd rather have that's available (in this mock): UGA guard Cordy Glenn
In the second round, the fellas at MTD gave the Bengals Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill. Hey, I get it. The Bengals do need a No. 2 receiver, but if we were doing things my way, they wouldn't take one in the second round. Stephen Hill may be a good receiver, but I'd rather find a different player that is a bigger need at this point.
Who I'd rather have that's available (in this mock): Boise State running back Doug Martin
In the third round, MTD gave the Bengals midwestern state guard Amini Silatolu. Guard is a big position of need for the Bengals. Bobbie Williams, Nate Livings and Mike McGlynn are all free agents and of those three, Williams is the only one worth even thinking about bringing back for another year and he'll be 36 when the season starts.
Who I'd rather have that's available (in this mock): Notre Dame strong safety Harrison Smith
In the fourth round, MTD gives the Bengals UConn defensive end/defensive tackle Kendall Reyes. You can't ever put a price tag on a guy that can rush the passer. For that reason, Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap are invaluable to the Bengals. It's my belief that you should always bring in a new pass rusher every draft. The Bengals did it last year with Dontay Moch and hopefully we get to see what he can do in 2012.
Who I'd rather have that's available (in this mock): Miami (Ohio) guard Brandon Brooks (you can't ever have too many)
In the fifth round, MTD predicts the Bengals take Pitt defensive end Brandon Lindsey with their 21st pick in that round. Again, you can't have too many guys who know how to rush the passer. This 6-foot-2, 255-pound outside linebacker/defensive end hybrid runs a 4.5-40-yard dash and knows how to get into the backfield.
Who I'd rather have that's available (in this mock): I'll take Lindsey here actually.
With their second pick in the fifth round, which they got for the Chad Ochocinco trade, the Bengals get Texas outside linebacker Keenan Robinson. Linebackers are the core of the defense but I think I'd rather see the team re-sign Manny Lawson and Brandon Johnson and have them go after depth at a different position here.
Who I'd rather have that's available (in this mock): Texas A&M wide receiver Jeff Fuller
Finally, in the sixth round, MTD gave the Bengals Penn State cornerback D'Anton Lynn. I think that's a solid depth pick considering both Adam Jones and Kelly Jennings are free agents.
Who I'd rather have that's available (in this mock): Lynn's fine with me.
So, who did it better, MTD or me? How would you do it?