March Mock

[*ochocincos*]

The Bengals re-signed Adam Jones, George Iloka, and Vincent Rey among others. They are also reportedly finalizing a deal with Karlos Dansby and still in talks with Brandon LaFell. Even if LaFell signs, I expect the Bengals to take a WR in the first or second round...

1) Josh Doctson, WR TCU (6'2", 202 lb) - No secret that I (and it seems Bengals) want one of Coleman, Treadwell, or Doctson. Any would be good, but I really believe Doctson is the best fit due to his size, good speed, and fantastic leaping ability. Ideal WR2 opposite of Green.

2) Adolphus Washington, DT Ohio St (6'3", 301 lb) - I think there's a decent chance that Washington falls here, and I can see the Bengals taking him. Washington has played all over the line and posted positive ratings against both the run and pass. As a rookie, he would be a rotational player while he builds up strength and mass to take over for Peko in 2017.

3) Cyrus Jones, CB/PR Alabama (5'10", 197 lb) - I see Cyrus Jones as an Adam Jones clone. He's a feisty CB that has shown he can still hang with bigger WRs. His PR ability is also outstanding and can be used right away as a PR and backup/slot CB as a rookie.

4) Jihad Ward, DE Illinois (6'5", 297 lb) - Ward is an athletic, big DE. He hasn't produced much yet, but hasn't come close to reaching his potential. Since the Bengals have Dunlap and MJ signed through 2018, they are likely looking for a rotational DE to groom. Ward would be a good candidate that fits the bill.

5) KJ Dillon, SS West Virginia (6'0", 210 lb) - While Karl Joseph rightfully gets all the attention at safety for the Mountaineers, Dillon is also a well-rounded playmaker for that defense. Dillon is good against both the run and pass, which our coaches covet. Solid backup safety with starter potential.

6) Kyle Friend, C/OG Temple (6'2", 305 lb) - Friend's bench numbers at his pro day (41) will likely catch the attention of the Bengals similar to Bodine. Friend has been the anchor of a very good Temple team. He's clearly strong, gets good push at the point of attack, and has a mean streak. The Bengals likely want to give Bodine one more year as a starter and Friend can be groomed behind him.

7) Demarcus Ayers, WR/RS Houston (5'9", 182 lb) - Ayers is a slot receiver who has done very well at Houston. He's a dynamic return specialist too. His 40 time (4.66 pro day) isn't great, but he's very shifty, which is reflected in his production as a returner. Ayers would make Tate completely expendable.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

This might be my favorite Mock so far Ochocincos. Even if there is not LB'er taken i just absolutely love all the players.

Doctson, Washington, Friend are 3 of my favorites and i love how you got playmakers that are also returners. Cyrus and Ayers i like.

I would like a LB'er but you only have so many picks and bringing in Dansby makes it less of a need if he is good for a couple years.

Great job.

[*ochocincos*]

(03-29-2016, 04:44 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: This might be my favorite Mock so far Ochocincos. Even if there is not LB'er taken i just absolutely love all the players.

Doctson, Washington, Friend are 3 of my favorites and i love how you got playmakers that are also returners. Cyrus and Ayers i like.

I would like a LB'er but you only have so many picks and bringing in Dansby makes it less of a need if he is good for a couple years.

Great job.

Thanks, Nate!

Regarding LB, my line of thinking was exactly what you mention. With Burfict, Maualuga, VRey, Dawson, and now Dansby on the roster, that likely leaves just one spot. If a LB is picked, I expect it to be late, but I don't think it's absolutely needed now. Per PFF, Dansby was 5th against the pass, so I think the Bengals have improved enough in that area.
I thought of getting a versatile player like Cravens, Killebrew, or even Jatavis Brown, but then that would leave a gap elsewhere and I think the other spots are more important than the last LB spot.

[Crowe]

(03-29-2016, 04:19 PM)ochocincos Wrote: The Bengals re-signed Adam Jones, George Iloka, and Vincent Rey among others. They are also reportedly finalizing a deal with Karlos Dansby and still in talks with Brandon LaFell. Even if LaFell signs, I expect the Bengals to take a WR in the first or second round...

1) Josh Doctson, WR TCU (6'2", 202 lb) - No secret that I (and it seems Bengals) want one of Coleman, Treadwell, or Doctson. Any would be good, but I really believe Doctson is the best fit due to his size, good speed, and fantastic leaping ability. Ideal WR2 opposite of Green.

2) Adolphus Washington, DT Ohio St (6'3", 301 lb) - I think there's a decent chance that Washington falls here, and I can see the Bengals taking him. Washington has played all over the line and posted positive ratings against both the run and pass. As a rookie, he would be a rotational player while he builds up strength and mass to take over for Peko in 2017.

3) Cyrus Jones, CB/PR Alabama (5'10", 197 lb) - I see Cyrus Jones as an Adam Jones clone. He's a feisty CB that has shown he can still hang with bigger WRs. His PR ability is also outstanding and can be used right away as a PR and backup/slot CB as a rookie.

4) Jihad Ward, DE Illinois (6'5", 297 lb) - Ward is an athletic, big DE. He hasn't produced much yet, but hasn't come close to reaching his potential. Since the Bengals have Dunlap and MJ signed through 2018, they are likely looking for a rotational DE to groom. Ward would be a good candidate that fits the bill.

5) KJ Dillon, SS West Virginia (6'0", 210 lb) - While Karl Joseph rightfully gets all the attention at safety for the Mountaineers, Dillon is also a well-rounded playmaker for that defense. Dillon is good against both the run and pass, which our coaches covet. Solid backup safety with starter potential.

6) Kyle Friend, C/OG Temple (6'2", 305 lb) - Friend's bench numbers at his pro day (41) will likely catch the attention of the Bengals similar to Bodine. Friend has been the anchor of a very good Temple team. He's clearly strong, gets good push at the point of attack, and has a mean streak. The Bengals likely want to give Bodine one more year as a starter and Friend can be groomed behind him.

7) Demarcus Ayers, WR/RS Houston (5'9", 182 lb) - Ayers is a slot receiver who has done very well at Houston. He's a dynamic return specialist too. His 40 time (4.66 pro day) isn't great, but he's very shifty, which is reflected in his production as a returner. Ayers would make Tate completely expendable.

Solid mock all around.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(03-29-2016, 04:57 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Thanks, Nate!

Regarding LB, my line of thinking was exactly what you mention. With Burfict, Maualuga, VRey, Dawson, and now Dansby on the roster, that likely leaves just one spot. If a LB is picked, I expect it to be late, but I don't think it's absolutely needed now. Per PFF, Dansby was 5th against the pass, so I think the Bengals have improved enough in that area.
I thought of getting a versatile player like Cravens, Killebrew, or even Jatavis Brown, but then that would leave a gap elsewhere and I think the other spots are more important than the last LB spot.

Yeah, getting Dansby makes this mock great. We can go without a LB pick now and it wouldn't hurt us IMHO.

[Hammerstripes]

Something tells me that the Bengals don't go WR in round 1.

Maybe it's because I think there will be a run on WRs with the teams right in front of us, which will leave the 4th WR on the board. I have a hard time believing that the Bengals will stray from their board to take that guy if he's not the highest rated player.

[*ochocincos*]

(03-29-2016, 06:23 PM)Hammerstripes Wrote: Something tells me that the Bengals don't go WR in round 1.

Maybe it's because I think there will be a run on WRs with the teams right in front of us, which will leave the 4th WR on the board.  I have a hard time believing that the Bengals will stray from their board to take that guy if he's not the highest rated player.

I dunno about that. I read I think on Cincy Jungle or Stripe Hype that the Bengals have Michael Thomas really high on their board. Even if Treadwell, Doctson, and Coleman are all gone, they might pull the trigger on Thomas or Fuller in Round 1. I personally would rather see them wait and get Tyler Boyd in Round 2 though if T,D, and C are all gone in the first before 24. We'll just have to wait and see.

[*ochocincos*]

One other comment regarding the non-selection of a LB...many people discount Marquis Flowers because he didn't contribute much as a rookie and was on IR all of 2015. However, for those that remember his skill set, he was a former safety with really good speed that has the ability to become a good nickel LB. He actually has bulked up to 250 lbs, which should help him in the run game and with durability. Mays is also being brought back (although that contract still hasn't been signed), and many felt he was a better nickel LB than safety anyway. While Mays wasn't great in that role, he should compete with Flowers for that final LB spot.

Between Dansby, Flowers, and Mays, I feel the Bengals' need for LB (especially in coverage) is sufficient and they can look to add a LB either as a UDFA or wait until next year to draft a LB high.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(03-30-2016, 10:46 AM)ochocincos Wrote: One other comment regarding the non-selection of a LB...many people discount Marquis Flowers because he didn't contribute much as a rookie and was on IR all of 2015. However, for those that remember his skill set, he was a former safety with really good speed that has the ability to become a good nickel LB. He actually has bulked up to 250 lbs, which should help him in the run game and with durability. Mays is also being brought back (although that contract still hasn't been signed), and many felt he was a better nickel LB than safety anyway. While Mays wasn't great in that role, he should compete with Flowers for that final LB spot.

Between Dansby, Flowers, and Mays, I feel the Bengals' need for LB (especially in coverage) is sufficient and they can look to add a LB either as a UDFA or wait until next year to draft a LB high.

Flowers really impressed me last Preseason before he got hurt. He can run, tackle and cover.

He just needs to stay healthy.

Roach is another player that might compete for the backup SAM spot if we don't draft a LB.