DR1441 mock 4/11/17

[*ochocincos*]

(04-17-2017, 10:26 AM)dr1441 Wrote: I'd be interested in hearing what starting spots you think would even be open for a rookie to come in and take. O-lineman, DE, and maybe LB might be the only positions on the field that a rookie could start this year. Outside of that, I don't see how a rookie comes in and starts with the talent ahead of him. Even a rookie WR would struggle, even if taken at 9, to see a ton of production on the field this season. 

You hit the nail on the head. There is practically no spot where a rookie will come in and start outside of maybe OL, but even then I think is a very low chance because Smith was signed for a reason and the Bengals want to give Ogbuehi and Fisher every chance to become they players they thought they would be when they were drafted in 2015.

Yes, LaFell could be upgraded, but he's a quality starter. He'll be opposite of AJ with Boyd in the slot.
Yes, Michael Johnson could be upgrade but he's a veteran that the team has known for a long time and had some productive seasons with the Bengals (albeit like 3-4 years ago).
LB won't start over Burfict, Minter, VRey, and Vigil. But Minter and Burfict are set to hit FA next year, so if the Bengals MO is to draft a year ahead of time to replace in 2018, LB could make sense.
Safety won't start right away since Williams and Iloka both got paid last year and have a few years still on their contracts.
CB sure as heck won't start given the log jam at that position already.
TE won't start with Eifert healthy but could be seen in two-TE sets if the Bengals were willing to do more of that. And Eifert is set to hit FA next year, so it could be the same scenario as LB mentioned above.

Bottom line: Anyone who thinks a draft pick from this year will start barring injury, you will likely be sorely disappointed. The Bengals will draft a player with the plan to start him in 2-3 years, working him in slowly leading up to that time.