Draft simulator competition

[OSUfan]

Well here it is my PFF Simulator with no adjustments to the advanced settings. Personally, I feel if the Bengals come out of the draft close to something like this then we are sitting in really good shape. So here it is...
Round 1 - 31st Selection



Daxton Hill - DB - Michigan - 6'0" 191

I list him as a DB because he could play anywhere in the secondary. Most are listing him as a S but ironically PFF is listing him as a corner. Hill could line up at either spot and play it at a very high level. The Bengals would have the luxury of playing him at either position but certainly would end up with an outstanding insurance policy should a long term deal not be able to be reached with Jessie Bates. I really like this selection and the versatility and abilities that he brings to the secondary.

Round 2 - 63rd Selection



Cole Strange - C/G - Chattanooga - 6'5" 307

The draft stock on this young man soared after arriving at the Senior Bowl. While he played guard at Chattanooga he did snap in practice and snapped the ball at the Senior Bowl. Many feel that Center is where he should play at the next level due to his abilities and his football IQ. Things stated about Strange at the Senior Bowl included...dominant, definitely belongs, outstanding, and best performer of the week just to name a few. Strange could give the Bengals the ability to kick Karras out to LG which some feel is his best position. If they decide to play Karra at center then it gives a year for Strange to truly develop at the position while being a back up at C or OG.

Round 3 - 95th Selection



Damarri Mathis - CB - Pitt - 5'11" 196

Mathis has been ascending on many draft boards and after watching film on this kid I understand why. He brings really good abilities and measurables to the position. Mathis has shown good functional speed in the field and posted a very respectable 4.39 at the combine for those that may have questioned his deep speed. He is a strong corner and has demonstrated pretty good anticipation. He has somethings to polish up and while he may never be a true #1 CB he certainly could be a #2 that many teams would really like to have.

Round 4 - 136th Selection



Curtis Brooks - DT - UC - 6'2" 287

I will never understand why some get combine invites and others who are deserving get snubbed. Well Brooks should have been invited and he took the snub personally and showed out at the UC Pro Day. 4.86 - 40, 35.5 vertical, 33 reps, and a 7.4 3-Cone. Every one of these measurables would have ranked in the top 5 at the combine for the position group and his vertical was over 2" better than anyone else in the group. Last season for the Bearcats PFF ranked him at the best pass rushing interior lineman in the nation.

Brooks steps in behind BJ Hill as a 3 technique that will bring the ability to upset the passer and disrupt the offensive backfield. Will earn immediate playing time at least in rotating with Hill and I would not be shocked to see him push Hill for top billing. I really like this kid.

Round 5 - 174th Selection



Joshua Ezeudu - G - NC - 6'4" 308

I am not sure how this kid is still here in the 5th round but I would not be able to get the pick in fast enough. I considered him in the 4th and if Brooks had not been there this kid would have been the selection. He brings position versatility in that he played G and OT for the Tar Hills so he could kick outside in an emergency. However, as far as pure OG prospects I would rank him near the top of the position group. He has very good movement and plays with good power. Identifies targets easily at the second level and is effective in making the blocks. This selection allows Smith to focus on backing up LT and if it were me moving Carman back out to the edge to back up RT which I feel is a more natural position for him. No more depth problems to protect Joey B.

Round 6 - 209th Selection



Matt Araiza - P - San Diego St. - 6'1" 200

Can special teams lightening strike twice for this franchise? They call his leg strength elite and laud his ability to flip the field. I have always been a Kevin Huber fan but this kid is too good to pass up. It is a three facet game and McPherson demonstrated special team importance last season. Araiza will strengthen the third phase of the Bengals game just as McPherson did last year. Thank you for all you have done Kevin but time to pass the mantle.

Round 7 - 226th Selection



Cole Turner - TE - Nevada - 6'6" 246

Turner played WR until '20 when he transitioned to the TE position. He is still developing at the position but brings the ball skills you would expect from a former WR. His blocking will continue to develop with NFL coaching and with weight room work. May need some time to develop in aspects of the TE position but brings good receiving skills immediately to the table. Worst case will be a player to develop on the practice squad but could surprise and press for the #3 spot early.

Round 7 - 252nd Selection



Isaiah Weston - WR - N. Iowa - 6'4" 214

A small school prospect that brings really good size, speed, and length measurables to the position. Weston did enough to receive a combine invite and upon arriving at the combine continued to impress putting up 20 reps while running 4.42 at his size. Evaluators seem to feel that while he was primarily a deep threat that he possesses the ability to develop in the route tree and that he does know how to maximize his catch radius. Will benefit from being in an outstanding position room.

I believe this draft hits many key needs and does so with really good value that is fitting to the needs that this team has.