In a recent first annual mock draft from ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., the Cincinnati Bengals took a risk that didn’t seem necessary.
But in a first annual mock draft from another expert, the Bengals get new defensive coordinator Al Golden some help at a key spot in a way fans will like.
There, the Bengals stick at No. 17 and grab Ole Miss interior defensive lineman Walter Nolen, courtesy of NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah: “Nolen is a dynamic interior disruptor. He would be a key part of a turnaround under new Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden.”
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Nolen would be a fantastic pick and represent the Bengals tripling down on attempting to fix the interior of the line after losing DJ Reader.
After racking up 6.5 sacks last year, Nolen’s explosive, 6’3″, 304-pound frame would join the rotation with sophomores Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson and make the front more dynamic.
As Bengals fans are fully aware since the Geno Atkins days, a reliable, consistent pass rush up the middle makes the lives of the defensive ends easier, too, so Nolen could help fix two things at once for the rebuilding defense.
