Bengals 7-round mock draft after first wave of free agency
Bengals 7-round mock draft after first wave of free agency
The first major wave of free agency seems to have come and gone as most of the top available players have landed new contracts. For the Cincinnati Bengals, they have kept a few of their own free agents as well as bringing in players such as RB Samaje Perine, DL T.J. Slaton and LB Oren Burks.
With the first part of free agency in the books, it's a good time to put together a seven-round mock for the Bengals. For this mock, we are using Pro Football Focus' mock draft simulator.
No. 17 - Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Starks could be a legitimate top-10 talent in this draft class and safety is still a key need as the Bengals look to revamp their defense with new defensive coordinator Al Golden. Starks brings excellent run-stopping ability and great ball skills. The Bengals have a chance to correct (maybe overcorrect) their mistake of letting Jessie Bates walk.
No. 49 - Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
The Bengals brought back Joseph Ossai on a one-year deal, but that shouldn't stop them from adding pass-rushers, especially with Trey Hendrickson's future up in the air. The motor of Sawyer is very tough to ignore. We saw how he stepped up in the playoffs against Texas to seal the victory that ultimately led to a national championship for the Buckeyes. He has a knack for getting pressure on the quarterback, which is huge in a division that has Lamar Jackson and, maybe soon, Aaron Rodgers.
No. 81 - Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
Whether or not the Bengals secure Tee Higgins this offseason, look for them to continue adding weapons on offense. The Bengals could dip into the pool in Ames, Iowa for one of those weapons as the Cyclones have two very intriguing receiver prospects in the mix. Noel is rising after a strong week in Mobile, Alabama at the Senior Bowl and running a 4.39 40 at the Scouting Combine. He had almost 1,200 receiving yards last season as the Cyclones finished runner-up in the Big 12. An excellent route-runner, Noel may end up being a steal in this draft.
No. 118 - Mello Dotson, CB, Kansas
No. 154 - Jackson Slater, OG, Sacramento State
No. 194 - Junior Tafuna, DL, Utah
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