Eve Mock

[*ochocincos*]

Why label this "Eve Mock", you ask? Because like Eve's early 2000's rap song, LET ME BLOW YA MIND!  

But seriously, this is a pretty different one from what I've been doing in the past.

1) Kevin Dodd, DE Clemson - This year has a lot of good first-round edge rushers, but there's a big drop/risk after. With that said, the Bengals get a true edge rusher with talent and potential to be the first off the bench as a rookie and eventually replace MJ opposite of Dunlap.

2) Su'a Cravens, SS/OLB USC - This pick makes too much sense, giving insurance for Shawn Williams but also providing so much versatility. Cravens could become a stud nickel LB and/or starting playmaking safety if Williams struggles. Either way, this kills two birds with one stone (draft pick).

3) Hassan Ridgeway, DT Texas - With such a deep DT class, I'd rather see the Bengals take a DE in Round 1 and a DT in the 3rd rather than the reverse. Ridgeway has the talent to be a dominant 4-3 NT, proving to be strong against both the run and pass during his snaps at Texas. There are concerns with his conditioning, which causes him to drop here (along with a deep class). Conditioning can be coached and the Bengals could have a stud at every DL position.

4) Malcolm Mitchell, WR Georgia - The shock of the draft would be the Bengals waiting to draft a WR this late. However, I think it's not out of the realm of possibility with the Bengals having signed LaFell and I expect one of Peake, Mitchell, or Sharpe to be here at this pick. People may forget that in 2012, the Bengals waited until the 3rd to sign a WR and had nothing behind a sophomore AJ Green. This year, the Bengals COULD afford to wait for a WR with the other proven talent they already have. Mitchell has the talent to become a very good WR2 and can be eased in with the 1-year rental of LaFell. There have been comparisons to a smaller version of AJ Green. He only dropped 4 passes out of 93 catchable balls between 2014 and 2015 and he excels at comeback routes.

5) Isaac Seumalo, C/OG Oregon St - I haven't really considered Seumalo to this point, but his versatility across the line (all but LG in college) makes sense for the Bengals. He looks to be best suited for C/OG given his frame, arm length, and skill set. If he doesn't come along well as a rookie, the Bengals can draft Ethan Pocic in the first round next year and get a stud center and Seumalo stays as a depth interior OL.

6) Kei'Varae Russell, CB Notre Dame - Late to take a CB, but Russell was a standout at CB for the Irish who had a bad injury (broken right fibula in 2015). He's got great coverage ability and can mend as needed over the next year before he could eventually become a good starting CB.

7) Demarcus Ayers, WR/RS Houston - Ayers' 40 time and size will keep him down on draft boards, but his tape tells a different story. Ayers is a shifty playmaker that fits best as a slot WR and return specialist. Bye bye, Tate!