Final Mock - April 2021

[*ochocincos*]

1) Ja'Marr Chase, WR LSU (6'1", 208 lb) - It's no secret Joe Burrow would love to reunite with Chase. Plus, this OL class is deep, as Duke Tobin said in a podcast on 4/5. Chase and Higgins outside with Boyd in the slot. Pretty damn nice, if not excessive.

2) Alex Leatherwood, OT/OG Alabama (6'5", 312 lb) - Versatile OL who most recently played LT at Alabama. He has experience at RG, which is where I see his best fit as a rookie. Then, he can shift over to RT after Reiff leaves, as he has the necessary length, size, and athletic ability to handle RT duties.

3) Payton Turner, DE Houston (6'5", 270 lb) - 4-3 DE who has been climbing up draft boards has he's been getting more attention. His best fit is 4-3 DE, but he can also play 3-4 DE, and also swing inside as a nickel DT. If the Bengals are looking for guys that Marvin used to look for, Turner is exactly that.

4) Kendrick Green, OG Illinois (6'2", 305 lb) - Athletic OG who has also played some C. They didn't really have a good passing offense at Illinois, so he'll need some coaching in the pass protection department, but he seems to have the skill set needed to handle it. I see Green as being a guy learning on the bench for a year before taking over as a starter either at RG when Leatherwood shifts to RT, or move into LG in place of Spain/XSF.

5) Bobby Brown III, DT Texas A&M (6'4", 315 lb) - Seemed to really take a leap in the pass rush department last year, putting up 5.5 sacks in just 9 games. Looks to be versatile enough and have enough size to play both DT spots. There are concerns with motor at times, but he has the potential to turn into a good NFL DT if he puts in the effort.

6) Dazz Newsome, WR/PR UNC (5'11", 190 lb) - Slot receiver who also has punt return experience. His Pro Day really knocked him down, but his game tape shows someone who will have enough agility and quickness to succeed in the slot. He can come in and handle PR duties right away while developing behind Tyler Boyd. He takes Erickson's vacated spot.

6-HOU) Javian Hawkins, RB Louisville (5'8", 183 lb) - Smaller RB who is expected to thrive in an outside zone scheme due to his speed. With neither Perine nor Williams being very fast, Hawkins may be that big play guy as part of a rotation. Hawkins can also do some KR (although limited experience) in case he would be needed in such a role. He was playing closer to 200 lbs this past season, so I expect/hope he gets back toward that weight.

7) Evan McPherson, K Florida (5'11", 185 lb) - Arguably the top K in the draft. McPherson had a career 85% FG percentage with a long of 55, so he has the leg and accuracy needed.