To say mock draft season is in full swing would be a massive understatement, which means the hits just keep coming for the Cincinnati Bengals
The biggest hit of all? The recurring idea the Bengals could land the best center — and one of the best offensive linemen in the entire class — in the first round despite picking 31st.
That’s again a theme in the newest mock draft from ESPN’s Todd McShay, who has the Bengals staying near the end of the round and landing Iowa’s Tyler Linderbaum:
“By now, the Bengals’ protection woes of 2021 are well-documented. Quarterback Joe Burrow took way, way too many hits last season, and the offensive line was a glaring problem coming into the offseason. Cincinnati wasn’t messing around in free agency, though, signing offensive tackle La’el Collins and interior linemen Alex Cappa and Ted Karras. That’s a big improvement. But is it enough? I’m not sure Karras is a long-term answer, and Linderbaum should quickly emerge as one of the best centers in the NFL. Linderbaum anchors well and fights to the whistle, and his zone-blocking ability will open lanes for running back Joe Mixon. And as an added bonus, this is terrific value: Linderbaum is my No. 18 prospect.”
This is hardly the first mock to suggest such an idea and we’ll again point out an important note — this would move Ted Karras to left guard, where he’s graded out very well in recent years.
In the second round, McShay has the Bengals taking linebacker Leo Chenal out of Wisconsin, which is a bit more controversial. Cincinnati’s big needs at this point are cornerback and pass-rushers on the interior and edge, so adding to an already very-good room would raise some eyebrows.
Still, it’s just another example of how many different ways the Bengals could go — and how they can still find an instant impact starter despite not picking in the top half of the draft.
