Cincinnati Bengals Mock Draft: Projecting Day 3 Picks

The third and final day of the 2014 NFL draft is here. It's been a fun ride that wouldn't have been possible if not for an awesome staff here at Cincy Jungle, as well as a passionate following of readers that keep us motivated to churn out content on a regular basis.

With that said, here's one final crack at projecting who the Bengals will select on the final day of this year's draft:

4th Round, Pick No. 123: Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee

Antonio "Tiny" Richardson (6-foot-6, 336 pounds) started 24 consecutive games for the Tennessee Volunteers over his last two seasons, but had knee surgery after his sophomore season in 2012. He missed spring practice last year while recovering from surgery.

As a junior last year, Richardson was one of the top tackle prospects entering the season, and many had him projected to go as high as the top 15. Unfortunately, he wasn't as effective as it appeared the knee was still affecting his play, and after declaring for the draft, he's still on the board on Day 3.

If he can get back to 100% health, Richardson could be the steal of the draft, and the Bengals find a future starter at tackle.

5th Round, Pick No. 164: Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood

The Bengals go against the grain here and dip into the small-school ranks to take their second cornerback in this draft Desir ended up accepting a scholarship offer from Washburn in Topeka, Kansas after getting no D-I offers.

After leaving Washburn prior to the 2011 season, Desir transferred to Lindenwood and snagged 9 interceptions to again lead the MIAA while also tying the NCAA Division II lead that year in pass deflections with 18.

Desir finished this past year with 33 tackles, 4 interceptions and 12 pass deflections. What really makes Desir stand out is his 6'2", 206-pound frame and his ball-hawking ability:

Desir will need a year to sit and watch Leon Hall Adam Jones and Terence Newman for a year while challenging Dre Kirkpatrick for playing time as the fourth CB. Then in Year 2, Desir should be ready to step into a bigger role with Newman likely gone.

6th Round, Pick No. 199: Cyril Richardson, OG, Baylor

The Bengals need to bolster their interior offensive line depth, and Baylor's Cyril Richardson would be a great developmental pick at this point, and he could potentially become a starter in the future.

The 6'5", 340-pound Richardson is one of the better run-blocking guards in this class, and he helped pave the way for the nation's No. 13 rushing offense.

But he's a poor pass-blocker entering the NFL, and he shouldn't be a starter as a rookie. Richardson needs some work, but he's got the potential to become a mauler of an offensive lineman in the physical AFC North.

6th Round, Pick No. 212 (Compensatory): Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson

The Bengals are out on some of the other QBs they were interested in, so they settle on Tajh Boyd. A very mobile but erratic thrower, Boyd set several school and conference records during his tie at Clemson.

The 2012 ACC Player of the Year completed 287-of-427 passes (67.2%) for 3,896 yards with 36 TDs and 13 INTs while rushing 186 times for 514 yards and 10 TDs as a junior.

As a senior in 2013, Boyd was a finalist for the Johnny Unitas and Manning Awards after completing 283-of-413 (68.5%) for 3,851 yards with 34 TDs and 11 INTs to go with 154 rushes for 400 yards and 10 TDs.

He became the first QB in ACC history with 30-plus TD passes in three seasons and set the conference mark with 107 career TD passes.

7th Round, Pick No. 239 Overall: Michael Sam, DE/OLB, Missouri

The undersized 6'2", 260-pound Sam falls to the end of the draft, despite being the SEC Player of the Year in 2013 after notching an SEC-leading 19 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks.

He can be a good nickle-rusher on passing downs. He could also potentially be converted into a SAM backer. The Bengals have shown they'r willing to take developmental defensive ends in the past, and Sam becomes the latest project.

7th Round, Pick No. 252 (Compensatory): Jalen Saunders, WR, Oklahoma

Sanders weighs in at a mere 5'8" and 164 pounds but is a ball of fire when the ball is in his hands. He gives the Bengals depth at wide receiver and another returner to challenge Brandon Tate for the primary punt-returner duties.

Saunders started all 13 games in 2013 and grabbed 61 balls for 729 yards and eight touchdowns while also returning 31 career punts for 465 yards (15.0), including three scores.