Ranking 13 Bengals first round NFL Draft targets for pick No. 21

It is always difficult to predict the NFL Draft. By trading back to the 21st section the Bengals made it even harder to predict who they will select. With four quarterbacks likely to be taken in the first five picks, talented players will slide down the board.

Cincy Jungle’s Rebecca Toback has tracked this year’s mock drafts and there are currently 15 different players being mocked to the Bengals. With that said, there’s no telling which of these players will be available when the Bengals make their first selection. These options can be evaluated based on on the player’s ability, the team’s need at the position, the value of the player compared to the draft position, and how the player fits within the Bengals’ system.

Here’s our ranking of 13 of those popular mock draft picks for the Bengals and how they would fit with the team. Consider this our version of the Bengals’ big board.

1. Mike McGlinchey - Offensive tackle - Notre Dame

McGlinchey is considered by many to be the top offensive tackle in the 2018 NFL Draft. At 6’8” 312, he has the prototypical size of a franchise left tackle. He is a strong run blocker who gets movement on the first level. He also has the athleticism to pull to the outside or work up to a linebacker. His pass protection technique is not as strong as you might expect, but with the Bengals likely looking to use him at right tackle initially, it may be good enough. The Bengals need offensive line help more than anything and adding any player who could immediately step in fills a huge need. McGlinchey was likely a target when the Bengals had the 12th pick, so getting him at 21 would be a huge steal. McGlinchey’s ability to pull and get movement in the run game makes him a great fit for the Bengals at right tackle. His size gives him the ability to possibly flip to left tackle if the team needs him to in the future.

Player Grade: A-

Need Grade: A

Value Grade: A

Fit Grade: A

Overall Grade: A

2. Isaiah Wynn - Offensive guard - Georgia

Despite playing offensive tackle in college, Isaiah Wynn is largely seen as the second ranked guard in the class behind only Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson. Wynn is excellent in pass protection and great both pulling and down blocking in the run game. Wynn’s expereince at tackle gives him position flexibility that can be a major asset as injuries mount during the course of the season. Wynn fills a major team need at either guard or tackle. He grades out as a prospect who should be taken in the mid-first round, so this is an excellent position to get him in. Wynn has the athletic ability and strength that the Bengals look for in their guards. His talent as a pass blocker and position versatility are added bonuses. Wynn would be an excellent fit for the Bengals and would instantly improve their chances of success in 2018.

Player Grade: A

Need Grade: A

Value Grade: B+

Fit Grade: A

Overall Grade: A-

3. Harold Landry - Edge - Boston College

If Landry had come out last year, he likely would have been strongly considered by the Bengals with the ninth overall pick in that year’s draft. This year he could very well be a top 10 pick, but if teams focus on his injury-plagued 2017 season rather than his stellar performance in 2016 he could fall. Landry is an extremely athletic pass rusher with the burst and bend that is desired at the position. He also plays very well against the run. Similar to Carl Lawson, Landry played primarily with his hand in the ground at defensive end, but could translate as an off-the-ball linebacker. The Bengals could do some crazy things defensively with the pair of them together. Considering that the Bengals drafted Lawson and Jordan Willis last year, this position is not a major need. Landry is a top 10 talent who provides great value with the 21st pick. He could be a good fit for Teryl Austin’s defense as the team looks to become more versatile in their looks.

Player Grade: A

Need Grade: B

Value Grade: A

Fit Grade: A

Overall Grade: A-

4. Connor Williams - Offensive tackle - Texas

Williams had a great year in 2016, but missed much of 2017 due to injury and did not look particularly impressive when he returned. In 2016, Williams was considered one of the best pass-blockers in the country. He is an excellent run blocker as well. Williams is seen as a bit short for an NFL tackle and many project him as a guard. That is a bit shortsighted as his 33” arms give him enough of length for a tackle. If Williams can get back to his 2016 form, he will be a solid starter in the NFL. Williams provides the Bengals with a much needed starter on the offensive line. Currently he is seen as a mid-to-late first round pick, but he was once seen as the top offensive tackle in the class, and provides good value if he can get back to that form.

Player Grade: A-

Need Grade: A

Value Grade: B+

Fit Grade: A

Overall Grade: A-

5. Frank Ragnow - Center - Arkansas

There is some debate over who is the best center prospect in the draft, but Ragnow belongs at the top of that list. He does an excellent job coming off of double teams and engaging on second level defenders in the run game. He has show some athletism and the ability to pull on outside runs. He shows good technique and awareness as a pass blocker. Center was considered an area of need even before Russell Bodine left in free agency, and it is an even bigger need now. There are some good options available at center in this year’s draft and centers do not tend to be drafted very high. For that reason drafting any center in the first round is not a great value. Ragnow does eveything the Bengals want a center to do and is an excellent fit. He would be an excellent addition for the Bengals who would instantly improve the offensive line. The Bengals may be able to get Ragnow or a similar talent at the position in the second round.

Player Grade: A

Need Grade: A+

Value Grade: C

Fit Grade: A

Overall Grade: A-

6. Marcus Davenport - Edge - Texas-San Antonio

At 6’5”, 264 pounds Davenport has the size and athletic profile that teams look for in and edge rusher. He is an incredible athlete who will need to develop his pass rush moves in order to reach the bar that has been set for him. He could fill a role with the Bengals similar to the one they have in store for Carl Lawson. Davenport is a freak athlete who could line up on the line of scrimmage or rush the passer from an outside backer position. Davenport is expected by many to go higher, so the pick would be an excellent value. The Bengals have a number of pass rushers, so adding another is not a top priority. He would fit well with the Bengals defensively, but may be a bit redundant. With that said, Davenport is an excellent athlete who could develop into an excellent edge rusher in the NFL with time.

Player Grade: A-

Need Grade: B

Value Grade: A-

Fit Grade: A

Overall Grade: A-

7. Billy Price - Center - Ohio State

Price is not a prospect without flaws, but he more than makes up for it with his aggressive style of play. He is best in the run game, and struggles with movement in pass protection. He plays with a great demeanor that the Bengals’ offensive line has been lacking in recent years and adding a player like Price could elevate the entire unit. He can be a bit too aggressive at times and lean and fall off of blocks. As a center, he would fill the Bengals’ biggest need. Price does have some issues in his game, and the team may be able to find a better value in the first round. He would be an excellent fit who could help change the culture of the offensive line and the offense as a whole. Price will be a quality starter in the NFL and has some great intangibles.

Player Grade: B+

Need Grade: A+

Value Grade: C

Fit Grade: A

Overall Grade: B+

8. James Daniels - Center - Iowa

Daniels has excellent film, but really started to get a lot of buzz after an impressive showing the combine. He does a great job getting up to linebackers. In fact at times he can get to the second level a little too fast. When he does, he has trouble getting settled into the block. He can struggle at times when a defender is right on him and get pushed back. Center is clearly the Bengals’ biggest need and Daniels would start immediately at center. He is a great fit for what the Bengals are looking to do offensively. Not too many centers go in the first round, so taking Daniels here would not be a great value. Daniels shows a lot of good things on film and could start as a rookie and have a great career in the right system.

Player Grade: B+

Need Grade: A+

Value Grade: C

Fit Grade: A

Overall Grade: B+

9. Will Hernandez - Offensive Guard - UTEP

Hernandez played in a smaller league, but proved at the Senior Bowl that he has the strength and ability to compete with anyone in the nation. Hernandez is an excellent run blocker, but may not be a great fit with the Bengals who are looking to run more zone scheme next season. He has some technique issues, especially as the play goes on and will sometimes get high and his feet can get too tight. The Bengals desperately need to add talented offensive linemen who can help keep quarterback Andy Dalton protected and open holes for running back Joe Mixon. Hernandez is a very good player who could help improve the Bengals offense, but there should be players available in the first round who could do more. The Bengals may be able to get Hernandez or a player with similar ability in the second round.

Player Grade: B

Need Grade: A

Value Grade: C

Fit Grade: B

Overall Grade: B+

10. Leighton Vander Esch - Linebacker - Boise State

Vander Esch has great size and athleticism. He only started for one season, but he was truly dominant and was Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year. He is fast and changes directions very well, but he does not seem to be very explosive as a tackler. He is excellent in coverage and at 6’4” has the size to match up well with tight ends and big slot receivers. The Bengals do not have an immediate need for a middle backer after signing Preston Brown. While the Vontaze Burfict suspension, is a concern, it is hardly ideal to play rookie early while waiting for a veteran to return. Vander Esch may be drafted in the first round, but he is not a great value at in the mid-first round. Vander Esch could succeed in the Bengals’ defense, and the unit could benifit from his coverage ability even early. Vander Esch is an intrguing prospect who could be a major factor in the league with time and in the right situation.

Player Grade: B+

Need Grade: B-

Value Grade: B-

Fit Grade: A

Overall Grade: B

11. Rashaan Evans - Linebacker - Alabama

Evans is an excellent tackler and explosive athlete who can shoot gaps to make plays in the backfield. In addition to being a skilled mike backer, he does an excellent job rushing the passer when called upon to do so. Evans has a skillset that is similar to the top linebackers in this class and could have a huge impact in the NFL. Having already signed Preston Brown linebacker is not the biggest need for the Bengals. True, Vontaze Burfict will be out to start the season, but once he returns Evans would fall into a subsition package role and would be used largely as a rusher. Evans is likely to be selected in the mid-to-late first round, so drafting him at 21 may be a touch high. Evans would be a good fit for the Bengals defense as his style of play is something they need and his versatility would be useful. Evans could be a phenomenal player if used properly, but may not play much as a rookie for the Bengals.

Player Grade: B+

Need Grade: B-

Value Grade: B-

Fit Grade: A-

Overall Grade: B

12. Da’Ron Payne - Defensive Tackle - Alabama

Payne stepped into the Alabama defense in 2017 after two of the team’s defensive tackles were drafted in that year’s draft. He did not get a lot of attention during the course of the year, but turned heads with his performance during the College Football Playoff. He is much more athletic than you would expect a man weighing in at more than 300 pounds to be and is particularly quick off the ball. He shows the ability to get off blocks and make plays. The Bengals are in need of a nose tackle. Payne fits the bill but his lack of production as a pass rusher means he would only contribute on early downs. The first round is high to draft a defensive linemen who is does not bring much to the table in terms of pass rush. Payne is probably not someone you want on the field in passing situations. Payne could be an excellent pro, but there are better options at defense tackle. Payne does have value, but would be a better pick later in the draft. Additionally, the Bengals haven’t drafted a first round defensive lineman during the Marvin Lewis era.

Player Grade: B-

Need Grade: A-

Value Grade: C

Fit Grade: A

Overall Grade: B-

13. Kolton Miller - Offensive Tackle - UCLA

6’8” and 309 pounds, Kolton Miller is built like the prototypical left tackle. His size is a major reason for his success in pass protection. He has trouble to his inside, and seems comfortable with simply making rushers go around him on the outside. When a defensive lineman engages with him, he can get in trouble. This could be a big problem in the NFL where his size advantage will be mitigated. He is an aggressive run blocker, but plays as high as you might think a 6’8” man would play. The Bengals need offensive linemen, but a project like Miller may not be a great fit for them. Miller is a stretch as a first rounder. He has elite size, but will need some great coaching and a lot of work to become a viable option at tackle in the NFL. He is essentially the worst case scenario for the Bengals in Round 1 of the draft.

Player Grade: C

Need Grade: A

Value Grade: C

Fit Grade: B-

Overall Grade: C+