Retool the defense and prep for IOL departures mock

[*ochocincos*]

Most of the college teams have played 6 games, which is halfway through their regular season.
Bengals are also 6 games in, giving us an idea of where the likely needs will end up being heading into next offseason.

1) Mason Graham, IDL Michigan - Dude instantly improves the DL from Day 1. Watch this dude's tape, he jumps off the screen. Immediate contributor. Even if Jenkins and Jackson pan out, the Bengals need a menace inside.

2) Xavier Watts, FS Notre Dame - 2023 DPOY and led the nation last year in INTs. Ball hawk center fielder type of safety. If the Bengals want to find a long-term guy to put next to Battle, Watts could be that dude.

3) Luke Kandra, IOL UC - Bengals likely have seen a lot of this kid play being he's local not only at UC but also high school at Elder. He was stellar last year, showing his ability to be a road grader while also allowing only 2 sacks in the passing game. Kandra is position-versatile and could be a great pickup.

4) Josaiah Stewart, EDGE Michigan - I really wanted to go Tyler Warren (TE Penn St) here because I like what he could add to the offense if Gesicki leaves, but I also really like what Stewart could add to the defense as a pass rushing specialist. He's not big enough to be an every-down DE, but he could be great if Anarumo can get creative with him outside rushing the passer.

5) Derrick Moore, DE Michigan - Run stuffing edge setter who has some pass rush ability too. Bengals are getting whooped on the ground and in a division that has 3 run-heavy teams, so they need someone who can stop the run.

6) Bryce Foster, IOL Kansas - Experienced, versatile IOL who has played plenty of C. Let him come in and compete with Matt Lee for starting C duties if they feel comfortable letting Karras go in FA.

7) RB, WR, or TE - probably won't make much of an impact anyway, at least for a while.