TDN: Bengals 7-Round Mock Draft.

[*Synric*]

The Draft Network gets around to Cincinnati in their 7-Round mock draft series.

https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/cincinnati-bengals-7-round-2021-nfl-mock-draft-february

I like it.

I thought they should have went with the Z receiver before the slot but they do add both and the Bengals WR depth is meh.

Quote:ROUND 1 (NO. 5 OVERALL): PENEI SEWELL, OT, OREGON
Arguably the most popular mocked pick in the draft outside of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Trevor Lawrence, Sewell and the Bengals are a match made in heaven. Protecting Burrow must be the Bengals' No. 1 priority this offseason.  Prior to going down with an injury, Burrow was the most sacked player in the NFL—and with a talent like Burrow, that can’t be the case moving forward. Sewell is the best offensive tackle in this class and has rare traits that allow him to project as a high-level player almost instantly at the next level. Sewell can protect Burrow's blindside for the next decade.

ROUND 2 (NO. 37 OVERALL): JAYSON OWEH, EDGE, PENN STATE
The Bengals miss the days of Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson being one of the stronger edge rushing duos in the NFL. Last season, the Bengals had one of the least talented pass-rushing groups in the NFL, offering very little juice and difference makers. Adding a talent like Oweh would give the Bengals some much-needed talent at the defensive end position. Oweh has a freakish first step and has the length and bend to finish at the quarterback. Oweh may be a bit raw, but he offers double-digit sack production upside.

ROUND 3 (NO. 69): HUNTER LONG, TE, BOSTON COLLEGE
Surrounding Burrow with as much quality talent around as him as possible will be a big theme of this mock draft. The Bengals received very little production at tight end last season, and one could argue their collection of talent at the position is the worst in the NFL. C.J. Uzomah, who isn’t the worst player, tore his Achilles early in the year and can’t be counted as a starting tight end moving forward. I am a really big fan of Long and think he would excel in this offense. Long broke out this season for Boston College and displayed a strong NFL skill set. Long has great size and is an above-average athlete. He is competitive as a blocker and is a smooth athlete as a receiver with great hands and enough speed to win down the seam.

ROUND 4 (NO. 109): AMARI RODGERS, WR, CLEMSON
This would be a steal. Rodgers was one of the most consistent players in the country last season and is exactly what you are looking for in a slot receiver. He is quick, tough, smart, and has natural ball skills and excellent hands. Rodgers put his skill set on display throughout Senior Bowl week and raised his stock considerably. I expect him to go higher than this on draft day. For the Bengals, he is a perfect security blanket for Burrow in the slot next to Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd.

ROUND 5 (NO. 148 OVERALL): SADARIUS HUTCHERSON, G, SOUTH CAROLINA
Cincinnati needs to upgrade almost all of their offensive line. Outside of Jonah Williams, the team shouldn’t have much confidence in their returning starters. We already added Sewell to take over at left tackle, but now we need to address the interior of this offensive line, which really struggled in 2020. Hutcherson would provide great depth and has the skill set to develop into a strong starter.

ROUND 6 (NO. 186 OVERALL): THOMAS GRAHAM, CB, OREGON
Defending the pass was something the Bengals struggled to do all season. The team lacks playmakers at corner and can certainly use more depth at the position, especially as William Jackson is a pending free agent. Oregon’s Graham is a nice pick here in the sixth round. He is a tough, instinctual corner who is an excellent athlete. Graham can play outside or inside and will be an asset on special teams from day one.

ROUND 7 (NO. 229 OVERALL): IHMIR SMITH-MARSETTE, WR, IOWA
The Bengals are going to have to add a few receivers, as it's very likely that Bengals legend A.J. Green has played his snaps in the orange and black stripes. The team has two great young players in Boyd and Higgins but can still add some depth and give Burrow more weapons to distribute the football to. Smith-Marsette is exactly what the Bengals are missing. An explosive, deep threat who offers good speed and hands down the field. He can also be a difference-making kick returner, too. You know the phrase: "The more you can do."

ROUND 7 (NO. 247 OVERALL): TUF BORLAND, LB, OHIO STATE
The Ohio State Buckeye stays in Ohio. The Bengals have some talented young linebackers but are expecting to lose veteran Josh Bynes in free agency and could use some depth. Borland is exactly what you want in a late-round pick. He will make the 53-man roster as a competitive sixth linebacker who will be a standout on special teams. Borland can develop into a nice depth player.