November Mock - 4 Rounds

[*ochocincos*]

1) Broderick Jones, OT Georgia (6'4", 315 lb) - Unless Jonah starts turning things around, next year could be his last as a Bengal. So I decided to pick a stout LT who is good against both the run and pass. Given how the Bengals have been shifting the run blocking this year, I think Jones will fit in well now. Alternatively, if Jonah does return back to 2021 form, Jones could still be a good add with a plan to eventually replace Collins.

2) Will McDonald IV, EDGE Iowa St (6'3", 245 lb) - McDonald has elite athleticism and explosiveness, and it shows on the field. McDonald is in his 5th and final year, but he's proven he can be productive, putting up 27.0 sacks in 35 games the past 3 seasons. McDonald did not have football experience before college, so he started out very raw. Him staying for a 5th year is probably very good for development. I think McDonald could be a great addition to boost the pass rush as a rookie while he continues to develop into a full-time DE.

3) Darnell Washington, TE Georgia (6'7", 270 lb) - Big TE who many think would be even better if he wasn't playing behind Brock Bowers in the passing game. Washington is a very good blocker, helped by his size. He has shown improved ability this season as a pass catcher. Washington is exactly the kind of TE Taylor would target - a bigger guy who is a good blocker and shows potential as a pass catcher.

4) Blake Corum, RB Michigan (5'8", 200 lb) - Mighty Mouse of a RB. Currently doing very well this season, 8th in the nation in rushing. He would have been higher in the rankings, but he wasn't able to really play in the Ohio St game due to a lingering injury from the previous game. Corum can catch as well as pass block. Why I think he's available this late is primarily due to his size - he's small. He reminds me somewhat of Giovani Bernard for how he runs and can block despite his size. However, there will be times he will get beat in pass protection because of his size.

Some things along with this mock:
- I didn't take a DB because the Bengals just drafted two DBs with the first two picks this year. Both deserve to have an opportunity to see if they can blossom into a good starter before drafting yet another DB early. If the Bengals do take a DB, I see it being after middle or late in the draft for depth purposes.
- I would expect (or hope) Bell and Pratt are retained and be starters again.
- I was torn between McDonald and Tuipulotu (DL USC) in Rd 2. I think both could be great pass rushers, but one will play outside vs the other inside. If you want to debate the Bengals need a pass rushing DT instead of a DE, pretend Tuipulotu is listed in Rd 2 instead of McDonald. Bottom line is the Bengals need more pass rush.
- Typically, Rounds 5-7 are just for depth or ST anyway, so I didn't bother looking into guys for those rounds. Bengals have, I believe, their long-term starting K, P, and LS now in McPherson, Chrisman, and Adomitis.
- I'd have liked to get a WR early to groom for a year before the likely (inevitable?) departure of Higgins and/or Boyd since both will be entering the final year of their contracts, but I felt I had to address the trenches and TE due to more of a need. Bengals can always get a WR in 2024 once we see what happens with Higgins and/or Boyd.