While the Cincinnati Bengals have sights on another Super Bowl run, it’s starting to look like mock draft season for the majority of the league (when is it not mock draft season these days?).
Buy Bengals TicketsInevitably, the heavy hitters have started to roll out mock drafts that outline the entire first round, looping in the Bengals.
ESPN’s Todd McShay, for example, just put out his first and has the Bengals picking an interesting prospect at No. 26 with Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon:
“Six cornerbacks in the past 11 picks, and the Bengals get a good one here. Witherspoon allowed fewer than 10 yards as the primary defender in eight of 12 games this season, and he had more interceptions (three) than TDs and 20-plus-yard catches against combined (two). Plus, Cincinnati’s CB group thins out a bit after the season with Eli Apple and Tre Flowers hitting free agency. I love Witherspoon’s physicality, and while he’ll need to run well at the combine to lock down a first-round spot, his tape is a treat to watch. If not cornerback, the Bengals could maybe reach for an offensive lineman because that unit is still very flimsy (38 sacks allowed, sixth most).”
The Bengals sitting near the end of the first round and getting a 6’0″ cornerback who excels in man coverage is a no-brainer, if not a best-case scenario for the team.
Granted, the offensive line still has concerns given La’el Collins’ injury history and best-player available regardless of position should always be on the table in the first round.
But cornerback sticks out as top need. Cam Taylor-Britt is coming along nicely but Chidobe Awuzie isn’t guaranteed to be back fully healthy. It would be smart to re-sign Eli Apple given his criminally underrated play, but adding more high-end talent at such a critical position is a must to keep the contention window open.
