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With the Bengals dropping nine spots in the draft order following the acquisition of Cordy Glenn via a trade with the Bills, we have new Round 1 targets for Cincinnati. The tackle position becomes less of a need while the linebacker position remain needs for the Bengals. That’s true even after signing Preston Brown to a 1-year deal. The Bengals also need a new center after Russell Bodine signed with the Bills to a 2-year deal this week.
Here’s our latest stab at a seven-round Bengals mock draft with all 11 picks the team currently has at its disposal.
1st Round - 21st Overall
Rashaan Evans - Linebacker - Alabama
With Brown signing only a one-year deal and Vontaze Burfict facing a potential four-game suspension, linebacker remains a priority for the Bengals. Evans is an explosive player who could be a big time contributor in the Bengals’ defense.
2nd Round - 46th Overall
Orlando Brown - Offensive Tackle - Oklahoma
Despite acquiring Glenn from the Bills, the Bengals are still likely looking to bring in another offensive tackle. Brown is a huge boom or bust candidate, but he may be worth a shot in the second round. With Glenn on the roster, the Bengals can play Brown on the right side where his massive size (6’8”, 360 pounds) could help him do exactly what he did in college: open huge holes for Joe Mixon to run through.
Yeah I hear ya that's why I'm Tryna get @ZEUS__78 in the draft! https://t.co/NxeClS0JqK
— ⚡PRIMETIME!!!⚡ (@Joe_MainMixon) March 10, 2018
3rd Round - 77th Overall
Rasheem Green - Defensive End - USC
Green is athletic, but never really developed into much of a pass rusher on the edge for the Trojans. With the Bengals, he can come in to replace Carl Lawson on the edge in running situations and bump inside in passing situations. He will need to develop pass rush moves, but is more suited to rush the quarterback from the inside. With some coaching, he could have great success there.
3rd Round - 100th Overall
Frank Ragnow - Center - Arkansas
Ragnow has become the forgotten man in an impressive group of interior linemen in this year’s draft class. He is excellent in pass protection and has a knack for understanding when to come off of double teams in the run game. He is a great fit for the Bengals, and he should have no problem finding the field immediately.
4th Round - 112th Overall
Shaquem Griffin - Linebacker - Central Florida
If Griffin’s impressive performance at the combine does not push him into the first two days of the draft, the Bengals should not let him drop any further. Griffin is an extremely gifted athlete who makes plays all over the field. The Bengals have a serious depth issue at linebacker, so doubling down at the position makes a lot of sense.
5th Round - 151st Overall
Kurt Benkert - Quarterback - Virginia
Signing Matt Barkley doesn’t exclude the Bengals from adding another quarterback in the draft. Barkley provides an experienced number two, but Benkert is an excellent developmental prospect with a live arm and some great intangibles.
5th Round - 158th Overall
Jake Wieneke - Wide Receiver - South Dakota State
At 6’4”, 213 pounds Weineke provides the Bengals with another big red zone target. He was a super-productive four-year starter in the FCS and is an excellent route runner.
5th Round - 170th Overall
D.J. Reed - Cornerback - Kansas State
Reed will fall to day three because he is 5’9”, but he makes plays all over the field. He projects as a slot corner and special teams player at the next level.
7th Rounds - 249th Overall
Dane Cruikshank - Safety - Arizona
Cruikshank is extremely athletic and would provide needed depth at safety and help on special teams. The Bengals went to his pro day to check him out.
7th Round - 252nd Overall
Skyler Phillips - Offensive Guard - Idaho State
Phillips is an extremely aggressive run blocker who gets defenders moving. He has a lot of technique issues to clean up, but he might be an excellent developmental player to have on the practice squad this coming season.
7th Round - 253rd Overall
John Atkins - Defensive Tackle -Georgia
Atkins gives the Bengals another player to compete at the nose tackle position with Pat Sims still unsigned. The team did add Chris Baker, but it’s a low-cost deal that won’t stop the Bengals from drafting a nose tackle, especially this late. Atkins is not related to Geno Atkins, but he wishes he were. He met with the Bengals at the NFL Combine.
Georgia DT John Atkins has been asked a lot if he's related to Geno. He's not. He met with the #Bengals last night. pic.twitter.com/fhnGKBsYv1
— Rebecca Toback (@Rebecca_Toback) March 3, 2018