clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

What Mel Kiper projected for Bengals in 2-round mock draft

Some combination of OL-WR would be ideal for the Bengals’ first two picks in the NFL Draft.

NCAA Football: Virginia Tech at North Carolina Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Ja’Marr Chase could be a generational talent, but Penei Sewell is in that same boat. Both should be available at No. 5 when the Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock.

With a trio of quarterbacks like taken off the board to kick off the draft, the Atlanta Falcons are expected to go with tight end Kyle Pitts, filling a huge hole for them. That would leave Cincinnati with a win-win scenario.

However, it’s a position that certainly won’t leave everyone happy.

Many, including ESPN’s Mel Kiper, have the Bengals going with Sewell, but it’s not an easy decision. Here’s what he said in his recent mock draft about the position Cincinnati may find themselves in.

“This was the toughest call for me. It came down to Sewell and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who knows Joe Burrow well from their time together at LSU and would be an excellent fit next to Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Ultimately, the Bengals’ offensive line was such a disaster that I don’t think they can pass on Sewell, who should start immediately at one of the tackle spots opposite Jonah Williams. The good thing for Cincinnati is that tackle and wideout are two of the deepest positions in this class, and it should be able to find a starter at those positions at the top of Round 2,” Kiper said.

He then has the Bengals going with a wide receiver in the second round. Kiper mock has them taking North Carolina’s Dyami Brown. Brown had two straight 1,000-yard seasons in Chapel Hill.

These two picks shouldn’t leave any fan upset, but not getting Chase is going to rub some the wrong way. Some have compared Chase to Julio Jones in terms of a top-tier prospect. However, Sewell could be the team’s next Anthony Munoz, at least that’s the long-term hope.

Both are strong options, and with top-tier players in the second round at both positions, there may not be a wrong answer.

Be sure to go follow our Twitter page and then go ‘like’ our Facebook page to get all of the latest Cincinnati Bengals news, views and some other fun stuff. Who Dey!