Lengthy Mock - November 2021

[*ochocincos*]

*Note: This does not account for any compensatory picks, as John Ross may not play enough snaps to warrant one. If he does, it's projected the Bengals would get a 4th round comp pick.

2022 NFL FA and Draft:
Estimated cap - $60 mill

Release Trae Waynes + $11 mill = $71 mill

Re-sign:
Bates - $15 mill APY
Spain - $8 mill APY
Uzomah - $6 mill APY
Reiff (or sign Morgan Moses) - $10 mill APY
Ogunjobi or Hill - $7 mill APY
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$25 mill remaining

FA:
Jason Kelce - 2 years, $22 mill ($11 mill APY) - Kelce just signed a 1-year, $9 mill ($12 mill with incentives), so I think $22 mill over 2 years is worth it. Kelce plus one more early OL pick would solidify the OL. I think the Bengals could be very appealing to Kelce, as he grew up in Cleveland and played at UC. Plus, KC already has Creed Humphrey, so it doesn't make sense for him to go to KC to play with his brother.
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$14 mill remaining (plenty left to give ability to add some to above deals if needed)

Draft:
1) Jaxson Kirkland, OL Washington (6'5", 315 lb) - Currently at LT in college, but he's projected a better fit at RT or OG in the NFL. His size and demeanor should make him well suited on the right side. If Carman pans out by 2021 season end, Kirkland can be used as the 6th OL while being groomed as the eventual RT. If Carman doesn't blossom by then, Kirkland can compete with Carman for starting RG reps.

2) Roger McCreary, CB Auburn (6'0", 190 lb) - Outside CB to replace Waynes. Size and experience to stick outside. Good tackler, can stick in coverage, not afraid to come downhill.

3) Charlie Kolar, TE Iowa St (6'6", 260 lb) - Good sized TE who has proven receiving production, plus he has the size and willingness to block. He'll be a better receiving TE2 than Sample.

4) Chris Rodriguez Jr, RB Kentucky (5'11", 224 lb) - Thick, powerful RB who gets YAC. He isn't the fastest, but he does have some quickness and bounce for his size.  He only has 327 rushing attempts at UK, so he shouldn't be run down when he gets to the NFL. From what I have seen, I like, but maybe someone who has watched a lot of UK games can give better insight. CRJ would allow the Bengals the ability to move on from Perine but also not interfere with what Evans excels at - catching the ball.

5) Khalil Shakir, WR Boise St (6'0", 190 lb) - Explosive WR who can replace Tate as the WR4 or Thomas as the WR5. He has enough size to play outside, but he can also play slot.

6) Neil Farrell Jr, DT LSU (6'4", 320 lb) - Another guy from the 2019 championship team. Offers potential as a pass rusher and is good against the run.

7) Depth