CJD Pre-Combine Mock Draft 1.0

[CJD]

(02-19-2023, 06:28 PM)OSUfan Wrote: Excellent first round selection. Harrison has great feet, power, and athleticism. His pass protection could be the best of all the OTs in this draft class. While he is not a devastating run blocker he gets the job done and at the end of the day that is what counts. He transitions well when it comes to picking up stunts and he seems to always be looking for work when his assignment has been taken care of. There are going to be those what will tell you in a certain situation he should have blocked this way rather than that way but at the end of the day his man does not touch the QB.

There are CBs that I like better than Cam Smith but it is still a good selection that fits what this franchise needs and is a value selection at this point.

Harrison is probably my ideal first round pick at this point. He's got the LT/RT flexibility, his specialty is pass blocking (which is my top priority for OTs) and he has played well in a big conference so there isn't as much projection required for him. We'll have to see how the draft process shakes out because I would also like Dawand Jones, but would prefer him in the 2nd. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable taking an "Only RT" prospect in the first round, but if he's dominant there, it may be worth it anyway. I feel the same way about Darnell Wright. Great prospect, would prefer to wait until the 2nd because I don't think he an play on the left side. We'll have to see how these guys test though. Maybe one of these guys will surprise us and shoot up the draft board.

Which cornerbacks do you like better than Smith? I really like Forbes too, but he would probably require our first round pick. It's still early in the process though so who knows where these guys will ultimately end up going.

(02-19-2023, 09:11 PM)Synric Wrote: Considering Ricks and Ringo are both bump and run corners Cam Smith fits Cincy's 70% zone defense better. Alot of the "top corners" this year are going to have a big learning curve because the NFL is a zone dominated league right now.

Cornerback is one of those positions where it's hard to know how well a guy who played mostly man in college will transition to a zone defense and vice versa. I was glad to have Smith available who I think probably has more experience in our style of defense, but I think Ricks has the capability to play in a zone scheme as well. He's showed he has the instincts. He just didn't have to show it as much in college.