NFL.com Mock Draft Live - Bengals Pick

[Joelist]

(04-25-2016, 07:02 PM)Okeana Wrote: I didn't mock Kelly in a single draft only because I just don't see the team drafting a center in round 1.  Lets take a history lesson to see centers who have been drafted in round 1 at their typical nfl success.  

Travis Frederick - 2013 Cowboys - one of the best in the league
Mike Pouncey - 2011 - one of the best in the league
Maurkice Pouncey - 2010 - one of the best in the league
Alex Mack - 2009 - one of the best in the league
Eric Wood - 2009 - Moved to guard got injured came back to stabilize the bills at center
Nick Mangold - 2006 - Top 5 if not best center in league

from 2006 on these are the only centers to be drafted in the first round with first round grades and each has had great success for their respective teams.  Its hard to argue a higher value at any position in the nfl over a true first round center.

This supports my main point. Instead of constantly trying to find our interior line in the bargain basement (and having constant issues running inside and with pass pressure up the middle), fix it on a longer term basis. If Kelly is still there at 24 he is a no brainer pick as he would almost certainly be the BPA and also it is a need position.