The week after the scouting combine features a surge in mock drafts and that’s true for the Cincinnati Bengals as much as any other team.
With some key needs and the Bengals ‘potential prospects impacting their draft stock in Indianapolis, it’s fun to step back and review some of the most notable new socks.
And it doesn’t get much more notable than ESPN’s Todd McShay, who still sees the Bengals investing in the offensive line with Oklahoma offensive tackle Anton Harrison:
“The Bengals gave up 44 sacks in 2022, which tied for 20th in the NFL. They also ranked 30th in pass block win rate at a tick above 50%. As they get set to pay quarterback Joe Burrow on a big extension, they might want to do something about reducing the hits on him. Plus, La’el Collins is returning from a torn ACL, and Jonah Williams missed time during the playoffs with a dislocated kneecap, so depth is important. Harrison is tough to shake once he’s locked on in pass protection, and he allowed just two sacks over 34 games at Oklahoma (24 starts).”
Harrison is a mauler at 6’5″ and 315 pounds who could come in and play right away at right tackle if La’el Collins isn’t back by Week 1. If the veteran is back, the rookie is superb backup depth the team sorely missed last season.
Plus, suggesting the Bengals take an offensive tackle in the first round at least somewhat hints the team found a way to make it work with free agents like Hayden Hurst, Vonn Bell and Germaine Pratt, or at least found adequate replacements.
If a tackle is the pick, it’s likely the best player available on Cincinnati’s board and the team hit needs well on the open market, equating to a big win.
