2017 NFL Draft results: Cincinnati Bengals select Joe Mixon in Round 2

With the No. 48 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals have selected Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon. This comes after trading back with the Minnesota Vikings earlier in Round 2.

The Bengals had been heavily linked to Mixon during the pre-draft process, and most expected him to come off the board in Round 2, despite having clear Round 1 talent.

Last season with the Sooners, Mixon recorded 1,274 rushing yards, 6.8 yards per carry and 10 rushing touchdowns. He also notched 538 receiving yards at 14.5 yards per catch and five touchdown grab on 37 grabs.

With 194 all-purpose yards per game, Mixon ranked among the top-five runners in the country. His running style looks and feels perfect for the NFL, which is why teams like the Bengals were ready to look past his off-field history to take a chance on his on-field potential.

In 2014, Mixon reached an Alford plea on a misdemeanor assault charge. Video later emerged showing Mixon punching a woman in the face on July 25, 2014. The Alford plea allows him to maintain his innocence while admitting the prosecution has enough evidence to convict. He received a one-year deferred sentence, 100 hours of community service, and mandated behavioral counseling. He was suspended for the 2014 season. You can read a full timeline of Mixon’s history in Oklahoma here.

Mixon would return in 2015 to rush for 753 yards on 113 carries (6.7 avg.) and seven scores, while chipping in 28 catches for 356 yards (12.7 avg.) and four scores. He instantly becomes the most complete back on the Bengals’ roster, and he’ll likely take Jeremy Hill’s starting spot at some point in 2017.

Mixon’s legal issues are why such a great player on the field was able to fall to Round 2. If he overcomes these issues, this could be the steal of the draft for Cincinnati. Though, the Bengals will undoubtedly be harshly criticized for the selection.

The Bengals’ remaining top draft needs are:

DE, LB, C, OT, OG, K

Here’s a rundown of every pick the Bengals hold in the 2017 NFL Draft.

NFL Draft schedule:

Rounds 2-3: 7 p.m. ET, Friday, April 28: (Round 2 - 7 minutes per pick, Round 3 – 5 minutes per pick)

Rounds 4-7: 12 p.m. ET, Saturday, April 29: (Rounds 4-6 – 5 minutes per pick, Round 7 - 4 minutes per pick)