Mock drafts don’t change up much when it comes to the Cincinnati Bengals this year. For good reason, too, given the problems across the offensive line.
But seemingly none have given the team prospects from the Cincinnati Bearcats and Ohio State Buckeyes in the same draft class.
That’s just what Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling did in his latest three-round mock draft, though. He starts things off in the first round for the Bengals at No. 31 with Tulsa’s Tyler Smith:
“The Bengals made it all the way to the Super Bowl despite their unremarkable offensive line, and that unit must be addressed here, at any position. The best combination of value and upside comes with Smith, a raw but athletic blocker with a nasty, physical playing style.”
The next two rounds have the Bengals nabbing a player from the Bearcats and Buckeyes:
- 63. Cincinnati Bengals | Cincinnati CB Coby Bryant
- 95. Cincinnati Bengals | Ohio State TE Jeremy Ruckert
It’s a smooth one-two punch beyond the obvious “this will make hometown fans happy” angle.
Bryant, a four-year starter and 6’1″ boundary prospect, could fill that void left by the possible departures of Trae Waynes and Eli Apple. Ruckert, a 6’5″ movable weapon, could fill the void if the team can’t get C.J. Uzomah back after the market sets his price.
Don’t let this undersell Smith, either — he’s a 6’5″, 324-pound prospect with big upside and a dominant presence in the running game, making him an interesting fit at potentially right tackle or inside at guard.
