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Mel Kiper Jr. released his fifth and final mock draft before the 2012 NFL draft kicks off Thursday night. I know what you're thinking. We're in the homestretch of mock drafts and we're close to closing that door until next February (or November). Instead of offering the Bengals a cornerback or an edge rusher, or practically anyone on defense, Hair has the Bengals selecting two offensive players with their two first-round selections.
At No. 17 Kiper has Cincinnati selecting Georgia offensive lineman Cordy Glenn:
Some will see Glenn as a right tackle. I don't disagree, but I think he can be dominant inside. A huge body, he'll knock people back in the run game, and has the feet to pull and line up linebackers on the second level. The Bengals are weak at guard, and they have to become more explosive in the run game.
Now that the offensive line is secured (hopefully), Kiper addresses wide receiver with Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill:
Last year the Bengals hit a home run with A.J. Green. In Hill, they're looking for a home run threat. The prospect of Green, Hill and emerging tight end Jermaine Gresham creates a nightmare scenario for opposing defensive coordinators. This is a bit of a luxury pick, but the Bengals knocked out a big need with Glenn and can afford to take this shot. And remember, Jerome Simpson is now with the Vikings.
This year's history of Mel Kiper's mock drafts:
| Version | No. 17 | No. 21 |
| 1.0 | Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska | Lamar Miller, RB, U of Miami |
| 2.0 | Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama | David DeCastro, OG, Stanford |
| 3.0 | Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama | Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia |
| 4.0 | David DeCastro, OG, Stanford | Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina |
| 5.0 | Cordy Glenn, OG, Geogia | Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech |