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+--- Thread: SEC Mock (/thread-15650.html)
SEC Mock - Domata94 - 04-18-2018
I made this mock only selecting players from SEC schools... just for fun. I also limited myself to taking 1 player per school; the Bengals have 11 picks and there are 14 SEC teams so unfortunately no Auburn, Mississippi, or Kentucky players made my mock.
1:21 - OL Isaiah Wynn, Georgia
- The Bengals biggest question mark for 2018 is how the offensive line will perform. They could stand an upgrade at center, right guard, and right tackle. Isaiah Wynn is a talented, versatile prospect who has played both guard and tackle at Georgia and would be a plug-and-play starter for next season. He has very few flaws in his game and is solid in run support and pass protection. In terms of what position he plays, let the coaches decide.
2:46 - C Frank Ragnow, Arkansas
- Center is the most desperately needed upgrade for the Bengals. Frank Ragnow has everything the Bengals coaches liked in Russell Bodine; experience, strength, and physicality… but is a better overall prospect without a glaring weakness in his game. Currently, the roster doesn’t offer much at the position so Ragnow would be able to come in and start on day 1 (not to mention bringing Bengal fans a big sigh of relief upon being drafted).
3:77 - TE Hayden Hurst, South Carolina
- Tyler Eifert was re-signed this offseason and is a quality tight end when healthy. However, staying healthy seems to be the issue, not to mention he only signed a one year deal. If Hurst falls to round three, the Bengals should grab him. He is viewed by many to be the most complete tight end in this draft being solid as a receiver and blocker. His age, almost 25, and the emergence of other tight ends like Gesicki, Goedert, and Andrews could cause him to slide.
3:100 - FS Armani Watts, Texas A&M
- Bringing in Eric Reid for a visit is a sign that the team is still looking for help at the safety position. Armani Watts is a four-year starter who is more of a tradition free safety. He is good in coverage and has excellent ball skills which are areas that Shawn Williams and George Iloka don’t always excel in. Watts has inconsistencies in his tackling but is aggressive and willing to make a play. He had 10 interceptions and forced 5 fumbles in his career at Texas A&M.
4:112 - CB Tony Brown, Alabama
- Kirkpatrick, Jackson, and Dennard look to get most of the cornerback snaps in 2018 but it’s important to have depth. Tony Brown isn’t the most consistent in coverage but is a physical presence on the field who could be groomed. He has a good body build and is a tremendous athlete (as shown by his combine performance). Additionally, he already has special teams experience as a gunner and covering kicks which would allow him to contribute as a rookie.
5:151 - LB Oren Burks, Vanderbilt
- The Bengals linebacker play was subpar in 2017. Signing Preston Brown made a lot of sense but Burfict’s suspension and the inconsistency shown by Vigil leave room for improvement. Burks, a converted safety, is more of an athlete than a polished player at this point. He is a willing tackler who also has the ability to cover tight ends and running backs. Throw him into the mix with Evans, Vigil, Rey and Nickerson to see who gets playing time.
5:158 - DE Marcell Frazier, Missouri
- Re-signing Carlos Dunlap would be huge, but at this point both he and Michael Johnson are entering contract years. Not to mention Chris Smith departed via free agency. Acquiring some depth and defensive end would be wise for the Bengals. Marcell Frazier collected 15 sacks over the past two seasons at Missouri and is a high energy player. He may not have superstar potential, but I believe that he can be a quality contributor in the NFL.
5:170 - WR Antonio Callaway, Florida
- As much as I’d like to end the cliché of the Bengals taking troubled players, Callaway would offer much more potential than other wide receivers at this stage in the draft. He played two seasons for Florida but was suspended for all of the 2017 season. Callaway isn't big, but he creates separation and gets open. He offers good athleticism and during his two seasons at Florida, he had three return touchdowns which could bring added value to the team.
7:249 - DT Kahlil McKenzie, Tennessee
- Kahlil McKenzie is the son of the Raider´s general manager, Reggie McKenzie. With that being the case, he should have a high football IQ as he's been around the sport all his life. Kahlil McKenzie was a surprise entry into this draft after deciding to skip his senior season at Tennessee. He was only a one year starter and put up modest numbers (35 tackles and 2 sacks). He had a good pro day and has the build of an NFL defensive tackle.
7:252 - TE Jordan Thomas, Mississippi State
- Another tight end? Yes, but Jordan Thomas is vastly different than Hayden Hurst. Thomas is extremely raw and was used as an outside receiver at Mississippi State. He has the size to be a great tight end and his 11” hands were the biggest at the combine. He needs to learn how to block and would be an excellent practice squad candidate for his rookie season. With Eifert, Kroft, and Uzomah entering contract years, Thomas could be ready to play for 2019.
7:253 - QB Danny Etling, LSU
- And with the final pick of the draft we take a quarterback. We already know Andy Dalton will be the starting quarterback for 2018, but the battle for the backup spots are still up for grabs. Danny Etling spent two seasons as LSU’s starting quarterback (after transferring from Purdue) and put up solid numbers. Last season he completed 60% of his passes with 16 touchdowns and only 2 picks. He also showed some good athleticism at the combine.