Post Bowls Mock

[Whatever]

(02-10-2022, 01:43 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Not posting any FA in this mock, but I do have them factored in when making the picks that I made.

Some of the selections I've made in previous mocks, but some are new.

1) Zion Johnson, IOL BC (6'3", 314 lb) - No more guessing and hoping for a good RG. Johnson looks to be that and a bag of chips. Extremely high floor, very good in both the run and pass game. Also played some OT in college. He actually played some C at the Senior Bowl, further adding value. I see Johnson coming in and taking that RG spot immediately, solidifying the OL along with a proven vet at RT. Johnson could potentially move to C too if the team decided to move on from Hopkins within few years.
*I am assuming Bates is retained. If Bates walks, I'm using money saved and signing an OG in FA and will take Daxton Hill here instead.

2) Coby Bryant, CB UC (6'2", 185 lb) - I think that the Bengals will try to retain Apple and probably sign another cheaper veteran CB after letting Waynes go. With that said, they could use a young guy to build quality depth and potentially start within a year, if not some as a rookie. I like Bryant's fit in Anarumo's scheme. His skill set and size translate very well outside too. He had a good outing at the Senior Bowl getting voted best DB of the week, so I think his stock is rising some. I'm ok taking him at 63/64, even though I think he's more early 3rd. If the Bengals can trade back some and get an extra Day 3 pick, that'd be ideal.

3) Abraham Lucas, OT Washington St (6'6", 322 lb) - New swing OT, potential future long-term starting RT. Lucas has ideal size, good length (34.5" arms), and good against both the pass and run. Lucas should have enough athleticism to succeed in wide zone running plays.

4) Jake Ferguson, TE Wisconsin (6'5", 244 lb) - Well-rounded TE who can block but also underrated as a pass catcher. Across 4 seasons in Wisconsin's run-heavy scheme, Ferguson put up 1618 yards and 13 TDs on 145 receptions (11.2 YPR). Had the most receiving yards of any player at the Senior Bowl, putting up 62 (1 TD) on just 3 receptions. I see him taking over as TE2 after Sample's contract ends next season.

5) D'Marco Jackson, LB App St (6'1", 230 lb) - Jackson is a LB who has the speed to chase down ball carriers and should be good on ST. Might be better in coverage than some think, but he should be a good 2-down guy at minimum. Won Sun Belt DPOY. Also played with ADG for two seasons, so they have that connection already. Replaces Jordan Evans.

6) Nick Ford, OL Utah (6'5", 315 lb) - Extremely versatile OL who has played every single position in college. Ford was voted All-Pac-12 twice. I've seen multiple draft sites say his best position in the NFL will probably be center. He needs to be kept at one position and groomed there. I think he's a perfect candidate to take a gamble on late and see if he can turn into something if put at one position. Ford would make the perfect PS candidate if not making the last OL spot on the 53-person roster.

7) Velus Jones Jr, WR/RS Tennessee (6'0", 190 lb) - New backup slot receiver and return specialist to replace Trent Taylor. Saw some compare him to Ray-Ray McCloud.

If the Bengals get a compensatory pick, I'd look to address DL and/or RB, depending on where the pick is and who is available.

I also find myself going between Johnson and Hill in the 1st. I have seen reports saying that Johnson needs to stay on the left side to avoid screwing up his technique, so ideally we'd let Spain walk and focus on the right side of the OL in FA.