The NFL Draft is right around the corner, and we’re putting together a Cincinnati Bengals 7-Round Mock Draft today.
Cincinnati Bengals 7-Round Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 18: DI Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois
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Newton is a dynamic defender with lightning-fast hands and a diverse arsenal of moves. He excels at shedding blocks and disrupting plays with his agility and strength. Despite his shorter stature, Newton’s leverage advantage and ability to penetrate gaps make him a force against the run and pass. However, concerns about his arm length may raise questions about his ability to handle double-team blocks. Nonetheless, Newton is poised to make an impact as a starting interior defensive lineman, especially on passing downs, where his disruptive abilities shine brightest.
Round 2, Pick 49: TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas
Ja’Tavion Sanders is a versatile tight end who excels in the passing game, showcasing his athleticism and ability to make plays all over the field. His speed allows him to separate on short routes and get vertical down the field, making him a reliable target in various situations. Sanders particularly shines in contested catch situations, using his focus and athleticism to come down with the ball in traffic, making him a valuable asset in the red zone. While his blocking could improve, Sanders presents a dynamic threat in the passing game with the potential for further development.
Round 3, Pick 80: OT Patrick Paul, Houston
Patrick Paul is a six-foot-seven, 315-pound monster who started 44 games at tackle for Houston. He won with his size and strength in 2022 but cleaned up his pad level and footwork for the Cou♐gars last season and became a more polished prospect. With added improvement in those areas, he’ll become a high-quality, long-term starter in the NFL.
Round 3, Pick 97: WR Jacob Cowing, Arizona
Jacob Cowing, formerly of UTEP and now at Arizona, shines in the slot with his precise route-running and knack for converting receptions into first downs. He excels in option routes, displaying excellent leverage and tempo to create initial separation. Despite occasional struggles against physical press coverage and some drops, Cowing’s quick-twitch abilities mak💜e him a valuable slot receiver with WR3 potential in the NFL, drawing comparisons to Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Round 4, Pick 115: WR Javon Baker, UCF
Javon Baker, a former 5-star recruit from Alabama, transferred to UCF and quickly became a key part of their passing game. He excels at route-running and contested catches, making him a versatile threat. While he’s reliable and impactful, his ability to beat elite press coverage is a concern for his consistency in vertical routes. Overall, Baker brings reliability and versatility to any NFL offense.
Round 5, Pick 149: G Zak Zinter, Michigan
Under Jim Harbaugh, Michigan’s offense thrived on a powerful running game, where Zinter found his place as the starting right guard. Despite a season-ending injury in his senior year, Zinter is poised for his NFL debut. A sturdy pass protector, Zinter’s strong hands disrupt defenders, though his athleticism may be a concern against speed rushers. In the run game, Zinter’s strength and technique shine, though mobility is a challenge. While he excels in power blocking, his fit in zone schemes may be less ideal.
Round 6, Pick 194: OT Caedan Wallace, Penn State
Wallace, a versatile lineman, transitioned between tackle and guard positions in college. While lacking the flashy plays of his teammate𝓀 Fashanu, Wallace compensates with solid fuꦅndamentals and technique. While his potential as a tackle may be limited, his NFL-ready size and body control suggest he could thrive as a backup lineman with the potential to start at guard or tackle.
Round 6, Pick 214: HB Frank Gore Jr., Southern Miss
Frank Gore Jr. had to rely ꧂on his own skills to create and find running lanes. He shows good patience and lateral agility, can read his blocks well, and has good contact balance. But he lacks an explosive burst and can be caught from behind. He has a developing route-running ability out of the backfield and is a reliable receiver. Improving his scanning in pass 🦩protection is key for him to have third-down value. He has a limited catch radius due to his height and arm length. Overall, Gore projects as an RB3 with change-of-pace potential behind an established starter.
Round 7, Pick 224: S Trey Taylor, Air Force
Taylor possesses the length, speed, and ball-hawking skills that NFL teams covet in defensive backs. His ability to create turnovers with interceptions and tight coverage highlights his potential impact. While he excels in zone coverage and demonstrates strong tackling ability, he needs to improve his open-field tackling and run reads, especially against elusive ball carriers. Despite these areas for development, Taylor’s instincts and coverage skills make him a promising prospect in this year’s draft.
Round 7, Pick 237: TE Tanner McLachlan, Arizona
Despite lacking the ideal size and strength for a traditional tight end role, he showcases a relentless spirit and determination in his play. While his blocking ability may raise concerns, he compensates with exceptional effort and a willingness to execute blocks. Despite avera🅘ge speed and shorter arms, McLachlan displays impressive ball skills, consistently making plays outside his frame and generating yards after the catch. Although he may not tick all the boxes, his tenacious mentality suggests the potential for successღ at the professional level.
Round 7, Pick 238: DI Evan Anderson, Florida Atlantic
Evan, a seasoned fourth-year junior from FAU, boasts solid stature and remarkable power, particularly evident in his adept use of hands and strength at the point of attack. His versat♋ility shines as he adeptly transitions between roles, effectively plugging running lanes and pressuring quarterbacks from various defensive line positions. With quick feet and keen football intelligence, he consistently disrupts plays, shedding blocks and making tackles with precision.
